Hunters of Terra Dolor (Role Playing Section)

[ZombieSplitter53]

The soldiers watched in awe. The manticores were fearless and merciless. Their claws ripped imps open like paper. Their tails jabbed off limbs like a striking snake. Their poison barbs shot through demon after demon and kept on flying. The demons had numbers, and right now, that meant nothing. An individual C-rank demon's power was simply too weak to harm a manticore in anyway except with a lot of luck, and the demons had none this day. As the sun dropped below the treeline, the demons fled. No more waves would come this night. They likely wouldn't try again for a while.

The men, of flesh and scales alike, prepared for them to be next, but there was one last surprise in store for them. The smaller beast took on a humanoid shape, revealing herself to be a manticore Thrope. The General in charge of the defense slowly approached her, wary of the looks he got from the creatures behind the girl. "My dear... we are forever in your debt. If I might ask your name."

"Allie." She smiled and bowed her head.

"Dear Allie, we owe our lives to you." The General held his arm over his chest and bowed deeply. "If there is any way we can repay you..."

"Nah." Allie climbed on top of the female Manticore. Speaking in what could only be described as beast-speak, she ordered the males to disappear into the woods. "This country has not always been the best to me, but it is my home, and I will defend it. Although..." She leaned down with a smile. "Next time you go to a circus or sideshow and see a poor, suffering Thrope as an attraction, instead of cheering, throw a nice, big, rotten tomato at whoever is in charge for me." She whispered into her 'stead's' ear, and off they disappeared into the forest.

*****​

Elluviana
Elluviana/Pikushī Embassy
June 29th, 3349
12:01 p.m.

Melvin Honda sat with eyes wide, mouth open in shock. An uncomfortable silence permeated the conference room, so much so that you could almost hear the floppy-eared ambassador's heart beating rapidly. "H... ha... h-half?!"

"Did I freaking thtutter, old man?" On the other side of the table was Kairi, Princess of the Faerie Kingdom of Pikushī. To her side was the Pikushī ambassador to Elluviana. Behind her were a pair of elite guards. The woman was dressed in the finest of faerie fashion, made from spider silk and fashionable yet functional. At sixteen, she was an adult Faerie, though her high pitched voice and lisp made her sound like a child. "Tell me, are you hard of hearing or just thenile? Or perhapth you reprethent the usual idiot Thrope."

Again, the hound Thrope was caught off guard. Even the embassy soldiers shifted uncomfortably. The faeries were well known for their arrogance and disrespectful nature. The Faeries of Elluviana, however, had always gotten along so well with their Thrope neighbors. Melvin considered the Faerie ambassador a friend. Said ambassador stood quietly by, seemingly as surprised by the demands himself. To hear such vulgarity from them, especially the princess, was a shock. "I... I-I heard you, your majesty. It's just... too much! It's unreasonable!"

"Thtupid, thelfish man!" Princess Kairi shouted. "Give me one good reathon why we should be forthed to acquiethce to your rediculouth hold on our shared land."

"Our ridicu-... you seriously call us ridiculous when..." the young man next to Melvin started, his feline ears twitching.

Melvin held up a hand. "Prince Julius, please." He cleared his throat. "Princess, please... can't you understand? It is because, well... we are so much bigger than you."

The princess pulled out a sword, as did her guards, prompting the Thrope soldiers to pull out their own weapons. "You dare to lord your thize and threaten the Faerie Printheth to her fathe!" Kairi shouted.

"No! No, no, NO! That was not a threat!" The Hound man quickly turn to his soldiers. "Stand down, stand down!" He turn back to the Faeries. "Please, just... hear me out."

Kairi huffed, but sheathed her blade. "Thpeak, dog!" She giggled. "Heh heh... get it? Thpeak! Like a pet dog."

Melvin smiled awkwardly. "Y-yes. Very... humorous. Ahem... what I meant was... according to our recent census, the Faeries only make up 17% of the county's population. Furthermore, we take up over six time more space than you. You already control 20% of the land, and use nowhere close to that. By my calculations, crude as they might be, you would have to multiply your population ten fold to come even close to needing half the country. Not to mention how difficult it would be to divvy up the various areas..."

The princess let out an obnoxious laugh. "Divvy up, he thayth." She shook her head. "Let me make it thimple for your thimple mind. Half of the country... with the capital at the thenter."

"You're mad!" The Thrope prince took an aggressive step forward. "Do you have any idea how many of our villages would end up in your proposed territory?!"

Kairi held up her hand, shaping her fingers into a circle. "Zero. Becauthe all Thropeth would be exthpected to leave Faerie territory immediately, or thuffer the conthequentheth."

"You crass, irritating, loud mouth little insect!" Julius fumed. "How dare you come here, in this place of peace, making outrageous and frankly idiotic demands and threatening my people!"

"How dare you thpeak to the Faerie Printheth in thuch a tone!" Kairi pulled her blade again, prompting the others to do the same once more. "I will have you tongue mounted, you intholent cur!"

"Please! No violence!" The Thrope ambassador quickly stood up and walked over to the prince, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders and gently pushing him back. "Please, your majesty," he whispered. "Let me handle this. You are making a bad situation worse."

"How can you stand to just sit there and take it while she insults you and speaks to you like you are beneath her?" Julius whispered back, glaring past the man's shoulders. "Like all Thropes deserve to bend to her will like the Faeries are just naturally entitled? I would stake my life that the gods themselves are not this high and mighty."

"Patience, my boy." Melvin smiled at him. "This is diplomacy. You must know the ones you are dealing with, and adapt your behavior accordingly. Please... leave this to me."

Julius reluctantly nodded, and Melvin sat back down. Before he could say anything, Princess Kairi was in has face, her nose scrunched up in frustration. "I tire of thith, tho I am going to thpell it out for you, tho open thothe big, thtupid earth of yourth. Go back to your king. Tell him the Faerieth demand fifty perthent of the country to be under their control immediately, with the Pikushī capital at the thenter. If he doeth not give in to our demandth thoon, we will take it ath an act of war. Then we will thee how much thize and numberth matter when you fathe the might of our army." She floated towards the door. "Come. We're leaving."

"W-wait!" Melvin stood up and held out a hand. "How thoon... I mean, how soon is 'soon'?"

Without looking back, Kairi said, "When our patienthe runth out. Do not tetht uth, or you will regret it."

"You didn't even tell me why you're demanding this!" Melvin cried out, but the Faerie Princess slammed the door behind her.

"Come now," she said to her escorts. "I am tired of being here. It thtinkth of Thrope filth." She pulled at her necklace, pulling an orange gemstone shard out of her cleavage and smiling at it. "I wish to return to the gloriouth majethty of our preciouth treasure," she stated softly, her eyes glowing a faint orange as she stared at the shard.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Stormrend
The Grinning Tanuki Club
June 30th, 3349
5:54 p.m.

"Malder?! Do I compare to Malder?!" Sakura Oburo laughed loudly as she stood in Shen Wu's office. The war criminal wiped away a tear as she tried to calm her chuckles. "Malder was nothing! Garbage! Simple… street trash. Yeah, he knew a few tricks. But he was a coward and a loser." She folded her arms and grinned. "I am faster than he ever was. I'm smarter. Better trained. And most importantly... I'm actually sane." She drew her sword and looked it up and down. "I just regret I never got a chance to kill him myself."

"Something we have in common," Tien Shushin muttered. He subtly placed his hand by one of his swords in case she did something stupid.

"Right... heard about your whole rivalry thing." Sakura grinned widely. "Guess your revenge passes onto the princess now, huh? That how it works? Hey!" She twirled her blade and licked her lips. "I can be your rival. Wanna throw down?"

Tien adjusted his glasses. "I think I'll pass."

Sakura nodded. "Don't blame ya. I know I can be pretty intimidating. But hey, I'm a team player! Assuming I got the job." She turned her grin to Shen. "Well?"

Shen Wu took a deep breath. "One moment." He motioned for Tien to come over. Speaking softly, he said, "What's the verdict, Shushin?"

"I doubt her claim to be more skilled than Malder," the ronin stated. "And it is clear her claim to sanity is exaggerated. She is, however, well built and of utmost health. She is strong, and has the sufficient level of chi and malice for your needs. What's More, she does have an advantage over Malder; she does not have his distinct, recognizable scars."

"True, though the scars would have been removed once I was finished with him." They heard a commotion downstairs. Shen rushed over to the window and looked between the blinds at the club below. "Besides, we are out of time."

Patrons cried out in fear, rushing away from the armed men swarming into the front entrance, wielding everything from swords to maces to top of the line rifles. The head of the group stepped forward. "Shen Wu! Step forward!"

"What is the meaning of this?!" Shen's stand in rushed forward, standing before the group. "You are disturbing my club goers! You have no right to be here! I demand you leave this instance!”

The man rolled his eyes. He pulled out his sword and whacked it against the stand in's head, knocking him out. "I'm not here to play games, Wu!" He reached to his side and pulled out a parchment, unrolling it and holding it up. "Shen Wu! Your puppet was very forthcoming as to the 'evil deeds' of a 'very bad man'. I, Captain Kuma of the Royal Stormrend Guard, hereby charge you with treason and conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor! Come quietly, and you will have a chance to speak on your actions and defend yourself! Resist, and I have orders to execute you on sight! The building is surrounded, and we know of all your possible exits! You have two minutes to come out!" He looked back to his men and said, "Get these civilians out of here. Shen is the size of a gorilla. I doubt he'll slip by with them."

Shen grunted and walked over to Sakura, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Good news, my dear. You're hired."

"Yeah!" Sakura smiled ear to ear. "A thousand a week, right? So what's my first job? Need me to kill a couple of soldiers while you duck out?"

"No, my dear." He gasped her shoulders nice and tightly. "I don't need you to kill anyone." His throat started to expand, and blood leaked from his ears, nose, and bloodshot eyes. "But you will help me escape."

Sakura tried to pull away. "Hey, man! Let go of me, you crazy fuck!" She stabbed her sword into his side, but he didn't let go. Again and again she stabbed. "Come on, man! Why won't you die?!"

"Because you keep missing me," Shen said hoarsely before opening his mouth. It opened wider and wider, bone snapping and flesh tearing as it opened too wide for any human. And from out of his throat came an object, a creature of unspeakable horror.

"Time's up!" the captain shouted. He turned and said, "Team B, spread out. Team A, follow me up th-" A woman's horrified scream made him spin back. "Up to the office, now!"

They rushed to the stairs, taking them two at a time. Not bothering with the knob, the captain slammed into the door and knocked it off it's hinges. Tien stood in their way, holding up his hand. "Stand down, captain. Everything is under control."

"What? Where..." Kuma looked behind him. Shen Wu laid on the ground, unnaturally dark red blood oozing out of his side. "Watch this man," the captain said as he moved to the downed man, grimacing at his twisted face and holding his fingers to Shen's neck. "He's dead..."

"We're bounty hunters." Sakura stepped out of the shadows, slowly wiping her lips. "We got word that the crown was after Shen, and wanted to get in on the bounty before it got out. No offense captain, but Shen was a dangerous man. We figured he'd kill you and all your people, and we knew there would be a reward for nabbing him. Problem is, he nabbed me first. Had to stab him about ten time before her released me, then I slashed that stupid grin off his face."

"I assume we will be compensated, captain?" Tien turned to them.

"Y... yeah, sure." The captain slowly stood up. "Thank you for your assistance. What are your names?"

"Tien Shushin," the male Ronin answered, knowing they wouldn't know his name.

"Sakura... Mikami." Sakura bowed her head. "Happy to be of service."

"Right." The captain walked over to his men. "Get the clean up crew in here."

Tien walked over to Sakura and softly asked, "So what happens now, sir?"

Sakura grinned an unnatural grin. "Well, now... we continue as we were doing before. I have a feeling they will discover all of Mr. Wu's assets have mysteriously disappeared." She looked down at the body, her grin only widening. "Goodbye, Shen Wu. You served me well."

*****​

Fairaven
The Fairaven Institute for Magic
July 1st, 3349
8:34 p.m.

The red stained brush slowly, carefully brushed against nail until a nice, even coat was applied. Mary lightly blew on them with a smile. She was one of the brightest minds at the institute, but why did that mean she couldn't look good while she worked? Besides, evaluations were coming up, and the head of her department was a sucker for a pretty face.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

The lab was dimly lit, most of the equipment off for the night. Mary was simply there to finish up some paperwork, and darkness was needed to allow the subject in the cell that took up a quarter of the room to get some sleep. The woman waved her hand over an orb on her desk. "Report Number 254, supplemental. Mary Avalon, half past 8 p.m., July 1st, 3349. As expected, Subject D001, additionally referred to by the name Eliza, has shown a significant increase in cooperative behavior since being put under my care a few weeks ago. I propose it is the more humane conditions, such as doubling the size of her cell, and treating her with respect that has led to this."

"According to the subject's original caregiver, Erin Starstorm, Eliza exhibited accelerated growth and maturity from the day she was hatched. The subject continued such growth until approximately a week ago. While such does appear to age quicker than any humanoid known, it has slowed considerably. I am still looking into whether this has been caused by recent changes in her environment, or if it part of her natural growth cycle."

"I have done extensive analysis of her DNA, and I believe her previous... ahem, handler, Alfondo Charmless... excuse me, Charmles, made a false assumption that she was manufactured, by biological or magical means, to have her human-like appearance. Further test will need to be done, but I hypothesize at this time that the much simpler explanation, that some demons simply look like this, is the correct one."

"Said genetic tests did reveal something unexpected, however. Many of the subject's cells, especially skin and muscle cells, as well as her mitochondrial DNA, seems to be in a state of... flux. As though they can change shape and mass, multiply, and grow. Known triggers are unknown. Emotion, environment, states of danger. There are a number of different factors that should be considered. Naturally, I plan to start with the ones that put the subject in little to no danger or stress first."

Mary turned back to the cell. Letting her eyes adjust, she noticed a silhouette sitting up on the bed. With a sigh, she waved her hand over the recording device once more and walked to the cell. "Eliza? I told you it's bed time." The demon only turned her head away. "Come on, girl. My boss is coming in tomorrow, and I want him to see you nice and rested. You don't want me to lose you to someone mean, do you?" Eliza didn't answer, and Mary shook her head. "I didn't want to do this, but..." She walked to the side of the room, grabbing something from a drawer and keeping it behind her back. "I guess I... have to bribe you."

"You can only give me one thing I want," Eliza whispered. "And you won't give me it."

"You know I wish I could. But they're going to study you no matter what. Better it be by someone who cares about your safety. And... who wants to keep you happy." Mary smiled and revealed a teddy bear.

Eliza looked over, and suddenly rushed to the wall. "My... m-my Eddie?"

Mary nodded. "Your Eddie."

Eliza shook her head. "B-but... when the bad man found it, h-he said he sent it to the in... insini..."

"Incinerator." Mary dusted the toy off. "He did. But one of the other lab techs saw it and took it before it was destroyed. Was going to give it to his own daughter as a present. I saw it in his lab. Had to beg. Had to plead. Had to give him enough coin to buy a teddy twice the size." She walked over to two door cube used to give Eliza food. "But, I think it was worth it."

Eliza followed her. "C-can I... h-have Eddie? Please?"

"I don't know." Mary held the bear up and shook it a bit. "Eddie says he's tired. Will you take him to your bed and lay down with him?" Eliza bobbed her head up and down. "Thata girl." Mary placed the toy in the cube and unlocked Eliza's side. The demon snatched it out, giving it a big hug before giddily running to her bed and crawling under the covers.

"How cute. How... touching."

Mary slowly turned her head to glare at Alfondo, smiling at the door leading to his lab. She started to rapidly walk towards him, startling him enough to get him to hold his hands up in defense. "Okay, first, you sound like a stereotypical villain in a Mirandia comic. Second, I don't like people spying on me, Charmless."

"Charmles, I'll thank you to remember." Alfondo nodded his head towards the door. "And I don't think our boss will like you giving non-test related objects to our one and only demon subject. Especially after I deemed it would interfere with our analysis."

"Well, I have deemed many of the things you did during your testing to be unwise, inappropriate, and, at times, idiotic. I have also decided to test the subject for the effects of positive stimuli." Mary folded her arms and smiled. "You see? You're not the only one who can twist words to change the outlook one has on a situation to get your way. You know? Like when you stole the Chimera project from me?"

Alfondo folded his own arms. "First of all, it is officially known as Project Crossbreed. Learn a little about code words and discretion. Second, I was right. You were not moving the project towards its full potential."

"That's because those things should be made to be a defense against foreign attack. A last minute defense. You aren't just making Chimera. You're making monsters. Military grade attack monsters."

"Well, it would seem you and I have a disagreement as to the purpose of the project, and the council agrees with my take on it. Soooo..." Charmles shrugged. "Good thing they turned it over to me, huh?"

Before Mary could do something like argue or break his nose, as she was prone to violence and Charmles seemed to have trouble grasping that, a horrible noise came from behind the male Elf, the sound of all his creations roaring and yelling at once. "You forget to feed them or something?" Mary asked sarcastically.

Rather than respond, Alfondo hurried into his lab, Mary following close. There was a tall, human-looking woman standing in the middle of the lab, the source of the creatures' agitation. "Excuse me? Who are you, and do you need me to escort you to the door?"

"Oh no... I believe I found the right place." She turned and smiled. "You have such wonderful creations. I especially like the big one here." She pointed to a colossal chimera in a cage opposite the others. "He looks like he could cause a lot of damage." She laughed and bopped herself on a the head. "Oh my... where are my manners? Tecunte, Goddess of Discord."

"Goddess, huh?" Charmles laughed. "You're full of it."

"She's not lying," Mary muttered nervously. "She has been causing a commotion with the Havenbrook Organization, and this is exactly what she was described to look like."

"Good to be recognized. You mortals don't do that enough. Though I sense some doubt from this one." Tecunte clapped her hands together. "Oh! I know! How about a demonstration?" She disappeared into a portal. "Over here!" she called out from inside the large chimera's cage. "Watch this!" The goddess formed an orb of pure magic, and launched it at the wall. Not only did it blast a circular hole in it, but it kept going until it left a path to outside the building. With no hesitation, the chimera took off down the path. "Ta da!" Tecunte cut another hole back into the opposite side of the cage and stepped back into the lab proper. "Impressed?"

Charmles stood mouth agape. "Do you have... a-any idea what you have done?"

"Oh, I don't know." Tecunte moved over to the wall and laughed. "Was it something like this?" She hit the large, red button on the wall. All of the chimera cages opened, and the creatures ran into the larger cell and took off for the outside.

"Are you insane?!" Charmles yelled, running towards the cage and watching helplessly as the last of the chimera made it outside.

"Who is insane is the one who designs these cages with these 'open all the doors' buttons," Tecunte responded. "Honestly, has that kind of button ever been used for something good?"

Charmles pointed down the holes. "That big one didn't have ANY mental conditioning yet! We have no way of recalling it!"

Tecunte rolled her eyes. "Well, that's kinda the point... duh." She waved her hand. "But don't worry. I gave it my own mental programming before you came in."

"What programming?" Mary stepped forward. "What did you tell it to do?"

The goddess pointed at her. "Hear that, my man? Someone who is asking actual useful questions. As for the answer..." She grinned mischievously. "The same programming I gave the others; to not harm anyone that doesn't try and stop them. At least... not until they cross the border into Mirandia."

"You..." Charmles stared down the goddess-made tunnel. "If... i-if they spread havoc in Mirandia... and they trace them back to us..."

"Again, that is the point. He's kinda a slow one, huh?" Tecunte looked past Mary and walked forward. "Anything in there I can play with too? Or kill just for the fun of it?"

Mary stepped in front of the doorway. "I-I have some... very important plant specimens in there, and I won't let you damage them."

Tecunte grabbed her by the neck and lifted her into the air. "You realize I can just... portal into there, or bust down a wall, or, I don't know... snap your neck and step over your body, right?" She choked the woman for a few seconds before dropping her. "Oh, but I don't want to ruin my good... my GREAT mood! Keep your plants." She sighed and stepped back. "If I was you, I'd get on that chimera thing. I look forward to seeing how many of your soldiers die before you give in to the inevitable. Tootles!"

The goddess departed, and Charmles slowly looked over. "P-plants? That's the best lie you cou-"

"Tell the council what happened right now, you idiot!" Mary yelled hoarsely. She watched him run out as she coughed and tried to catch her breath.

 

[ExoGrim]

Zombiesplitter53 and ExoGrim
The New Hunter's Secret

Serasam
Havenbrook Manor
July 2nd, 3349
2:30pm


With the help of the siblings Charter and Elma, Kal was now inside of the Havenbrook Manor. The wanderer looked around for a sign of command as he walked through the halls. If he were to join the guild, he needed to find a higher up to get him registered. The only concern he had was whether or not this Mina figure was willing to accept him with his criminal status. Surprisingly, he didn't find any kind of bounty board in the halls, like it was in his old guild. This made the place seem for comforting... being able to know that no one could see the price on his head at any given moment.

"Hello, stranger!" called a voice behind him. Turning, he found a smile Light Elf with golden hair. "Now, I know everyone here, but I don't know you. So either you're a stranger, or... uh, I don't actually know everyone. I hope it is the first one."

Kal smirked. "Luckily for you, it's the former. I was actually looking for your guild leader to see about applying here."

"Oh, a new recruit, huh?" She grabbed his hand. "Well, I'm Esmeralda, and I would 've happy to show you the way!"

"Nice to meet ya Esmeralda." The wanderer greeted. "My name's Kal."

"Kal, huh? Well, nice to meet'cha. Come on!" Es pulled him along. "Have you been in the Manor long?"

Kal followed the Elven woman. "I haven't been here long. I was brought here because I'm looking for someone."

"Oh, yeah? And did you find them yet?"

"No, I have not." Kal replied with a sigh. "I would ask you to keep an eye out, but I have no idea who they are or what they look like."

"Oh, that's too bad. Maybe Lady Havenbrook can help. She's really good at finding people." Esmeralda knocked on the door to Mina's office.

"Come in," Kal heard from the other side.

The wanderer walked into the office carefully. "Hello. I'm looking to join your guild."

"Of course, come on in." Mina stood up from her desk to greet Kal in the center of the room with a handshake. "I am Wilhelmina Havenbrook, owner and head of the Havenbrook Organization."

Kal took the offered handshake and sat down in one of the chair. "Wilhelmina, huh... that must mean that the name Mina is a nickname of shorts. Either way, it is nice to meet you Lady Havenbrook."

Mina sat back down. "So tell me about yourself. For starters, what's your name?"

The man cleared his throat. "The name is Kal. Kal Engral."

"Engral?" Mina leaned forward. "Of the Engral hunters?"

"Yeah..." Kal sighed. "You've heard of my parents I see."

Mina nodded. "Yeah, but I do not know their current status."

"I guess that's for the better." The traitor swallowed the knot in his throat. "After what I did it's best if I steer clear of them for a while."

Mina raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? And... what was that?"

The man paused. "You're familiar with the werewolf problem we had a few years back, correct?"

Mina nodded. "A Lycan outbreak that caught everyone off guard."

"Well..." Kal explained. "I was apart of one of the group sent to deal with the Lycan problem. We managed to find the pack leader and kill him... but that's when things went wrong. Something compelled me to devour the creature's heart and... I lost control over myself. When I regained myself, everyone was dead and I was covered in their blood."

"I see." Mina folded her hands. "And you believe it was you who killed them a crazed state?"

Kal pulled his cheek back, revealing razor sharp teeth. They were still tainted red from his many kills over the years. "You tell me what you think."

Mina cleared her throat. "You're not presenting the best reasons for letting you join my guild. I really don't want my people eaten."

The criminal let go of his cheek. "You have a point there. I have learned to better control this insatiable hunger, if that helps. The reason I came here was so I could get a-"

The man stopped speaking, his eyes turning towards the door as he stood up. At that moment, Zulik opened the door and the two locked eyes. Neither seemed angered by the others presences, but they both shared a unpleasant look. In complete unison, the two said. "So you're him."

Mina blinked a few times. "Were you... expecting each other?"

"This man is the dark presence I warned you about." Zulik glared at the wanderer.

Kal, however, had more of a bored expression. "I had a feeling that worked both ways. Listen, sit down and I'll explain everything to the best of my ability... okay?"

The priest's eyes were glued to the criminal as he took a seat next to him.

"Are you saying Zulik here was a dark presence you yourself was following?" Mina asked.

"It's a bit more complicated than just a having a 'dark presence.'" Kal sat back down and leaned forward. "Are the two of you are familiar with the Kingdom that ruled all of Terra Dolar many millennia ago?"

Zulik merely nodded to confirm his knowledge of the ancient kingdom.

"It didn't last very long, but I remember a single kingdom having their hands on the entire world way back when?" Mina stated.

"Which means you know about the war between man and demon that wipe the kingdom out." Kal cleared his throat briefly before continuing. "But there's one thing that happened that no one recorded on paper. When the Demon Commander, Mar'ln, finally won the five year siege against the castle, a spell was cast. The spell sealed away the souls of everyone still alive at the end of the war. And of those souls, seven of them contained great power... and great darkness. These souls are what we now refer to as the Seven Deadly Sins, manifestations of man's greatest desires. In order to prevent the Gods from abusing the power, Tempora sealed them into vessels in earth, while his son, Destani, placed them in a indefinite loop in the course of fate. I personally hold within me the soul of the Devourer, manifestation of Gluttony."

"I see." Mina's eyes shifted between the pair. "And Zulik?"

"Only the owner knows what soul that hides within them." The traitor remarked, tilting his head so he was looking at the priest. "It's all based on how the soul effects your actions and abilities."

Mina looked to Zulik. "What do you think? Do you put any stock into what he says?"

"As much as I don't want to say this..." Zulik responded. "His story may have some merit to it. Ever since I got corrupted I've had this feeling of something inside me wanting the world to burn."

"Well, that's unsettling to hear," Mina muttered. "So what does that translate to? Wrath?"

"Good thing I'm not greed..." The traitor muttered under his breath as he looked at Zulik.

"You said these feelings started after the corruption, right?" Mina asked. "Was it simply triggered by it and there all the time?" She looked at Kal. "Or did you have a similar experience with a load of corrupt magic?"

"The only unnatural thing that runs in my veins is Lycan blood." Kal told the guild leader. "Though, the soul didn't take it's roots until after I ate the creature's heart. It's very likely that an event is needed to trigger the soul's energy."

Mina nodded and sat back with a sigh. "Well now... we can't have you running around willy nilly. And something tells me you'll be hard to get rid of now that you found another of your... kin? So I guess I have no choice but to let you stay, as long as you play nice with everyone else."

"I'm not one for randomly lashing out at people." The criminal replied. "If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you privately about something."

Mina nodded. "Give us a minute, Zulik."

Zulik grunted, but did as he was told and walked out of the room.

"So, what's up?" Mina asked.

"Just wanted to give you a warning." Kal stated. "From what I heard, there's a rivalry within the souls. Wrath and Greed. It's said that they embodied the leaders during the war and the two souls still seek to destroy each other. I'd be careful. Should that rivalry spark again, there's no guarantee that the Manor can hold the battle."

"Alright." Mina took a deep breath. "I'll keep an eye out for the embodiment of Greed. And did Gluttony have any rivals?"

"Not that I know of." The wanderer admitted. "The Devourer wasn't one for rivalries. It was created simply to feed on human souls and gain power."

Mina wrote down a few notes. "If you eat more then a normal individual, I hope you won't blame me for taking a little out of your pay to compensate."

"No need to worry." The man waved his hand. "I understand."

"And does this 'soul of gluttony' give you any special abilities?" Mina questioned, continuing to take notes.

"Yes, actually." Kal cleared his throat briefly. "It allows me to consume any material that exists in this current world."

"I see. Just... if you need a midnight snack, please don't chew on the priceless antiques." Lady Havenbrook smiled at him. "I'll send the paperwork to your room after you've had a chance to settle in. Zulik is probably still waiting in the hall. Maybe he can help you find a room close to his so you can... connect."

"I feel like he doesn't trust me." The man said bluntly.

"Trust, for many, is something that needs to be earned. You two just met, and he has felt you as an approaching 'dark presence' for a while." Mina shrugged. "But he is also a mature man that follows orders. Give him reason to trust you, and it will come. In time."

"Good to know." Kal stood up from the seat he was in. "Just let me know when you need me and I'll be ready."

"I will." Mina bowed her head. "And welcome to the Havenbrook Organization."

 

[MarineAvenger]

Finding What Was Lost Part One

Serasam
July 3rd, 3349
7:25 a.m.

Miles away from the Havenbrook Manor, the roads backed within the confines of the forests were light of any foot-traffic, there only being the occasional passerby who would take a branching path to reach one of the many smaller villages in the surrounding areas. They didn’t give Lyr much of a second glance, the features signifying him as an Ophidian hidden behind a hood and his scarf. He wore a grey, sleeveless shirt, paired over it was a white poncho. He also wore gray sash around his waist, paired with a matching gray apron over his pants. Lyr also had a pair of brown traveling boots that he had gotten with soft soles that both reduced step noise and cushioned his feet.

The Ophidian was so accustomed to sand that his feet did not transition well to the hard-packed stick and rock covered dirt he found in Serasam. He found himself tugging on the gray scarf around his neck whenever he thought of home. It was the last gift his mother had left for him in this world, and in truth his most prized possession. The only regretful thing about having given it to Mina was the fact it no longer smelled of the woman who had birthed him, but her instead. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world, he did quite enjoy the smell of the guild leader but he missed the nostalgia.

It was still early morning as the young snake-featured teen had departed from the manor before the sun had even risen. The heat of the mid-afternoon could barely be felt yet but within the next couple of hours he knew it would be sweltering just like he wanted. The cold did not suit him well, and why anyone would enjoy winter down here was beyond him. Nights in the desert were bad enough, he didn’t need ice falling from the skies too.

There was a snapping sound to his left and Lyr quickly turned his gaze to see a large wolf jump from the concealment of the forest foliage. The hunter stepped forward, his right hand grabbing its throat while his left pushed on its belly, throwing the beast to the side. The direwolf slammed into the ground, scrambling up on all fours with a growl. Raising its muzzle, it let out a prolonged howl into the air. More wolves- much smaller than the one in front of him- appeared from the various hiding spots, surrounding the young Ophidian in an ambush.

Taking a ready stance, Lyr glanced to either direction to keep an eye on the flanking beasts for any movement. It came from in front of him, one of the smaller wolves running at him at full speed with teeth bared and snarling. Putting his right foot back, he struck out with his right palm, sending the animal flying away and crashing into a tree with a horrible cracking sound and a yelp. It laid there unmoving anymore, but there was no time to think as two went after him and then three more.

Lyr was hard pressed to cover all sides of the attack, his adrenaline rising and his senses becoming more geared to combat. He struck out with his palms, blowing two away without causing any real damage. His back exposed, one of the wolves bit down on the back of his leg, injuring him and drawing blood. The teenager retaliated with a kick that sent away the wolf, dropping to a knee when the injured leg gave out. He struck the ground, sending out a shockwave that repulsed the others away, granting him a moment of breathing room. He reinforced his right leg with light magic so he could use it again, a spear of light forming quickly in his right hand.

The next to attack was the direwolf alone, charging the small Ophidian in hopes of killing him with all the trouble was caused in the hunt. When the beast was close, he rolled to the side, slashing his side once with his spear. This only angered the wolf who turned quicker than expected to tear out Lyr’s throat. His left arm went up instinctively, the wolf’s jaw clamping down on it painfully. The young man cried out as wolf tore it up shaking his head to try and tear it off, causing the Ophidian to be thrown about easily. Light runes formed on his left arm, giving him the strength to lift the beast into the air and throw him away, tearing off skin. Lyr’s left hand shook badly from the pain, blood streaming down it and dropping to the ground. The animal stalked forward with his pack, determined to finish the kill until several arrows pierced some of the wolves.

Taken off guard, the beasts fell one by one, until the direwolf was alone. With a growl it ran forward, several arrows slamming into the ground as it ran. Lyr grimaced, holding his spear tightly in his right hand. When the direwolf pounced, the spear point thrust forward into the animal’s mouth and stuck out the other side of its head. Lyr rolled to the left to avoid the massive dead weight that came down a moment later, his spear shattering like glass. The Ophidian laid on his back, his left arm and right leg in extreme pain. He heard some shuffling from the spot where the arrows had come from, several figures stepping out from the shadows.

There were three men it seemed, all wearing drab and plain brown overcoats with cheap looking breeches. The middle one had a full, curled brown beard and was rather robust looking, Lyr likely not even coming to his shoulders in terms of height. The others looked identical, both the same height though the main difference being one was bald with a goatee while the other had no facial hair but corn colored curled hair down to the nape of the neck. They all had longbows in hand, though the middle one put it over his shoulder when they came close. He went down to his knee, looking over the wounds with concern. He reached behind his belt and took out a small sack. Reaching in, he took out a few herbs. “Have this boy, it’ll take the pain away.” he said with a slight accent, his tone soft though just as heavy as his body.

Not in much of a position to protest the help, Lyr slowly opened his mouth and let the herbs be placed on his tongue. They had a slight tart taste to them which made him want to pucker his mouth, but after a few moments he felt a warming sensation wash over him, as if his entire body was relaxing. Soon, before he knew it, his eyes were closed and he felt himself being picked up.

***

When next Lyr’s eyes opened, his vision was blurred and darkened. There was almost no light in whatever room he was in, the only source being that which was to his left. The air was a little musty, though it was quite cool against his face, something that brought goosebumps to him. A heavy blanket laid over him which insulated heat fairly well though the stiff pillow under his head left a little to be desired. “Oh, it seems the Wolfslayer is finally awake.” An amused female voice said from the side of the room in the shadows. Lyr could barely lift his head to see who it was, though she made it easier by stepping forwards into the candlelight. She was fairly tall, a little more than he was. She had long blonde hair with many freckles dotting her nose and cheeks. She would have been absolutely beautiful if not for the fact her face was a little too long. She wore a thin, white nightdress that clung to her figure a little, slippers on her feet masking her footsteps. “Doin’ well?” She asked, leaning down and placing a hand on the Ophidian’s forehead. Her being this close, it was hard not to smell her perfume, which smelled of rose.

Lyr swallowed hard, realizing then just how dry his mouth felt. There was also a very hollow feeling in his middle, indicating just how hungry he suddenly felt. His head swimming with nausea was a very unfortunate trifecta of malnutrition. Still, his first question out of his mouth was, “Where am I? And who are you?”

The young woman’s mouth pressed together, the edges of her lips upturning slightly almost as if she was observing a hurt animal. “You are at our homestead. About a couple miles from where you were hurt. My father says you were lucky they showed up else you would have been doggy chow.”

Letting out a grunt of indignation, Lyr forced himself to sit-up, the blanket falling away, showing his bare chest. He looked down at himself and suddenly realized why he felt weird, color touching his cheeks while he clenched his fists, “Where are my clothes?” the Ophidian questioned indignantly.

This caused a slight giggle to escape the lips of the mystery woman, who stood up straight with her hands intertwined at her waist. “Mother is stitching and cleaning them for you. Why, there is no reason to be embarrassed… just so long as you don’t leave the bed.” she pointed out.

Taking in a deep breath through his nose, Lyr then asked, “Did you look at all?” he asked in a cold anger.

The woman let out another short chuckle, “No, of course not. That would be so unlady like.”

To Lyr he somehow thought that mattered very little to the girl in front of him. “Alright, well you still didn’t answer my other question. Who are you?”

 

[MarineAvenger]

Finding What Was Lost Part Two

Smoothing her skirts, the girl sat on the edge of the bed with a very dignified air about her suddenly, which just put Lyr more on guard by pulling the blanket up a bit. “My name is Ophelia. I live here with my father, mother, and my two brothers. We’re farmers. My father was hunting with my uncles yesterday hunting a pack that kept stealing some of our animals. The pack that just so happened to attack you. Daddy brought you here so my mother could patch you up. You’ve been in and out for about a day and a half.”

That would have certainly explained the empty feeling in his middle, though just thinking about it made the teen’s stomach rumble loudly, causing more color to come to his cheeks as he put an arm over his stomach, “I don’t suppose you have anything I can have to eat?”

The girl nodded, standing and going across the room to take a tray that had several dishes on it, the big one covered with a cloth to likely keep it warm. Setting it on the nightstand, she took off the covering to show a dark liquid soup that had a very strong aroma to it which made Lyr’s stomach growl again. Next to it was a piece of hard bread and a small pitcher that had a slightly minted hot tea. “Need me to feed you?” Ophelia asked teasingly, which caused her to receive a slight glare. Seeming pleased with herself, she stepped back and told Lyr, “Enjoy it. Mother made it special. It is nearly the middle of the night so you needn’t leave the bed. We will see how you are in the morning to see if you are well enough to send you off to wherever you were going.”

Lyr nodded, already nearly halfway done with the soup before he even knew what was going on. Just how hungry had he really been? Shaking off the though, he cleared his throat and remembered his manners, “Thank you for the hospitality.”

“No need to thank me. It is my father you will have to thank in the morning. Goodnight you strange and silly boy.” Ophelia told him before departing out of the room.

“Boy?” he grumbled, the fifteen year old slumping back and biting into the bed greedily. She didn’t look that much older than me…

***

Strangely, after finishing his meal, Lyr had quickly fallen asleep once more, having a dreamless sleep that made him wake up rather still tired and sore. This time when he woke, there was no one occupying the room with him, and the tray that held his previous meal was strangely gone. In its place were his clothes, which were neatly folded on the nightstand. Looking around once more just to be sure there were no watchers, he pulled away the blanket and slowly stood.

The Ophidian stumbled and hand to grab a bedpost, having to put most of his weight on his left foot as the right ankle was still rather weak. Not to mention the swimming in his head made him want to almost spew up everything he consumed hours previous. Despite his feeling, he slowly began to dress, taking considerably longer than he normally did. Once everything was on, he reinforced his right leg with light magic and slowly opened the door to his room, only to be met with a woman about the same size as him.

She looked almost a carbon copy of Ophelia yet her eyes were more withered, her face having the look of age to it. Her blonde hair was streaked gray in a few places, but still they looked the same person, “Oh, you are awake. And up. It is good to see you well. I was just coming to check your condition. I am Ophelia’s mother, Ronna.” she held out her hand, and Lyr took it to shake.

“I am Lyr. I would like to thank you all for your hospitality. It was too kind.” the Ophidian said with utmost honesty. Going out of your way for someone you didn’t know in Kemar meant you always had honor to uphold to the samaritan, but that did not mean you needn’t be suspicious about it.

“It is quite alright. We are just glad we didn’t have a corpse on our hands instead of a healthy boy. Come. I will show you around.” Ronna said with a lightness to her tone, leading the Ophidian out of the room and down to the first floor of the home, “So I must ask, what were you doing traveling the road all alone? You are so young.”

This was not the first time Lyr noticed that he kept having his young age referred to and while it peeved him, he kept his opinion to himself out of respect. “I am a Hunter for the Havenbrook Organization. I was just getting out I suppose. I often spend a lot of time in the manor and the last time I tried clearing my head near the grounds, things ended rather sourly, so I decided to venture out a bit. I never expected mother would neglect the lands so close to home of monsters…”

“I doubt it is neglect young one. Us folk around here have a good handle on the situation. Usually there is nothing so threatening as a direwolf true but that has been the worst of it since I have lived on this homestead.” the older woman explained with almost a proud smile. “But the situation is taken care of now. You did us a favor killing the alpha wolf. It was only right that we repay you for your help.” It was only then that he tone changed, much more serious and less friendly, “How was your meeting with my daughter last night?”

Lyr grunted a bit, reaching up and tugging on his scarf, “She was very hospitable.” he answered simply in hopes that alleviated the hint of suspicion.

Ronna glanced over Lyr and smirked very subtly, “She does not get out much either. It is not often she has someone her age around besides her older brother.”

Internally, he let out a sigh of relief. “She reminds me too much of my sister back at the manor.”

“What kind of person is your sister exactly?” The farmwife asked with a knowing smirk.

Lyr stumbled a bit in his walk, quickly straightening and chuckling to try and salvage his dignity, scratching his neck and looking away, “S-She is a very sweet woman, and also very kind…”

With a very compassionate softening of her face, Ronna brought her hand up to her mouth, “You don’t need to be so worried dear. I know exactly how my daughter is. She has too much of me in her to be anything else.” Looking up slightly, the woman seemed to look younger when she was acting mischievous, though Lyr could hardly call her elderly either. In fact he knew if he even so much as had a passing thought about such, he would likely end up wishing he was back as the direwolf’s chew toy when the family was done with him.

Showing the stranger around the house took longer than Lyr had expected, Ronna seeming to have many stories to tell about almost everything in their possession. She was a decent enough storyteller but by the time they stepped outside into the moderate heat, he felt like he had been put through the wringer and was ready for bed. Outside the house, the young man was taken aback by just how much land they truly possessed. It seemed about an acre of land in total, with four different plots where crops were planted taking the most space, the treeline of the forest surrounding them on all sides in a big square. The large house was at the bottom of the square, and to the right of it there was a large barn, likely made with the wood from the surrounding trees. He surmised most of the structures had come from that.

The barn was a tall two-story structure that was painted red at one point but just seemed faded now, with a roof of dark green tiles. To the immediate right of it was just a simple well where a man who stood even more than a head taller than Lyr was drawing water. The robust man looked vaguely like the man who had given him the herbs from before, with dark brown hair though his was a mess of curls. He wore merely a silk shirt with the front unlaced and the sleeves rolled up past the elbows with just a loose pair of brown breeches and boots. He glanced over at Lyr and the woman besides him before going back to his chore, Lyr giving a start when Ronna suddenly spoke, “My eldest son, Tyrion. Do not mind him. He is just protective of his family is all. Really he is a nice boy. A lot of his uncles in him unfortunately. Always desiring adventure when he was younger. My youngest boy, Rodrick, dreams of being a Hunter himself. Tyrion had similar dreams but gave them up so he could help support us here. A very selfless boy.”

Lyr looked over and noticed for a brief moment the worried look that had donned her face, but it had slid away as soon as it had appeared, the farmwife looking at the Ophidian a thin eyebrow raised, “What is it boy? Why you look like Grim gave you a pat on the back?”

 

[MarineAvenger]

Finding What Was Lost Part Three

Taking on a look of hurt at the comment, the Hunter waved away her inquiry. He did not feel that bad for them, he did not. Most certainly. Wanting to change the subject, he asked a question of his own, “Just how old are your children, ma’am?”

“Hm… well, we celebrated Rodrick’s naming day just a couple of months ago, and he turned ten then. Ophelia is on her sixteenth and Tyrion will be nineteen this year.” she said after a bit of thought.

They’re not that far away from my age and they want to be Hunters? Best they stayed home then. This isn’t a life anyone should wish for. Lyr thought in his head. When Ronna gave him another questioning look he once again changed the subject before she commented as to what he was thinking. “Where is your husband and younger son now?”

“Out there in the field,” the older woman answered by nudging her head in the general direction of a couple of people in the distance, “They should be about done pretty soon.”

With a nod, movement caught Lyr’s eye, him and Ronna turning towards Tyrion who was walking back empty handed, a tool belt at his waist. “The hole in the bucket’s fixed mum. Shouldn’t be leaking anymore.” the man said with an accent seemingly stronger than his mother’s. He gave Lyr a wandering look then seemed to ignore him almost like he was just a weed sticking out of the grass. “I will head to town later today to see if I can get us anymore eggs. With Henrietta no longer producing we’ll have to rely on the neighbors for now until we can find ourselves a new prime hen.”

“That’s fine, just take Rodrick with you. The boy gets antsy when his older brother leaves on an ‘adventure’. Anyways, Tyrion, meet Lyr. He is a Hunter from the Havenbrook guild a couple of miles away.”

“A Hunter?” to Lyr he could have swore he saw the corner of the older teen’s mouth curl slightly into a sneer. “Are they taking anyone nowadays that you couldn’t beat a direwolf and some of her pups on your own?”

“I would call it more than some of her pups. Besides, group fighting is not really my schtick. I am more about one on one.” The Ophidian stated, straightening his back even though he was dwarfed by the man three years his senior. “That and I wasn’t expecting a fight.”

“Still. Must be embarrassing. You’re so young. Wouldn’t want to hurt your ego too badly.” Crossing his arms across his chest, he gazed down at Lyr diminutively.

“Tyrion,” Ronna started sternly but was stopped when Lyr waved a hand to her.

“No, no, it’s alright. He obviously thinks he has the high ground. But I have to say that… one, young Hunter with a spear just so happened to do more than… I don’t know,” Shrugging his shoulders, the Ophidian stepped forwards the two standing about chest length apart. “Three grown men playing with bows in, what? A year I wager of hunting? Maybe more.”

There was a twitch in Tyrion’s eye, and he shoved back Lyr quite forcefully, “Oh, piss off mate. Without my da and uncles coming to helping you, you’d be rotting meat on the side of some forest path with the maggots picking out yer eyes.”

“Boys, that’s enough!” Ronna snapped, stepping towards the two urgently.

“No, mum. I won’t have this… outsider coming to our home and spitting all over our hospitality like he owns the place after we saved his behind!” Tyrion spat, shoving his finger aggressively at Lyr.

“Tyrion, stop this!” A familiar voice yelled, Lyr looking over to see Ophelia put down a bucket of milk and grab hold of her skirts to raise them as she ran. As opposed to last night she looked somehow more stunning, wearing a blouse of white silk also with a brown leather corset wrapped around her torso that pressed her already ample bosom up even more. Her skirt seemed of stout brown wool down to the ankles with a divide down the left side up to her thigh that showed off a toned leg with soft looking leather boots nearly up to the knee. “He is a friend!”

“Oh yeah? Some friend who comes and disrespects us so openly,” he began, looking at his sister with a very peeved tone of voice.

“I’m not disrespecting you. You’re the one who came over with a chip on his shoulder. Don’t act so superior just to try and impress mommy.” Lyr antagonized, too angry to respond rationally.

Tyrion clenched his jaw and advanced as if ready to strike only for his father to come and grab his arm, pushing him back a good step or two, holding up his hands between him and Lyr, “Enough of this.” he commanded, the man who stood only a shy hair taller than his son looking between him and Lyr with agitation, “This is no time to be scuffling like a couple of school boys in the yard.” Off to the side, a young boy who Lyr could only guess was Rodrick held onto his mother’s skirts. He looked plain enough, but his ears and eyes were too big on that long face that he knew Rodrick would never be considered handsome when he was older.

Tyrion took in a deep breath, frowning but there was something in his eyes that showed he knew what he had to do, “Alright, outsider. You want to act big and tough like a Hunter? Prove you are one. Rodrick, go get my sword.”

The mother and daughter protested at almost the exact same time, both saying how this was unnecessary and that Tyrion was over-reacting and he could have swore he heard the word fool muttered under a breath or two but his face was determined as he glared at Lyr. The husband rose his hand, silencing the two women, both sending glares to the older man in irritation he butted in. “If the boy wants to tests his mettle, let him. Some times are right for female intervention, but somethings just need to be sorted out in the way men prefer. When they have a chance to fight back.” the man added seemingly just for Tyrion, who clenched his teeth at scrutiny for the punch he had gone for before.

The ten year old soon returned with a sword almost the length of him in hand, handing it to his older brother who took the hand and a half sword out of its leather scabbard and messed up the boy’s hair with thanks. “Well short stuff, what weapon will you use?” The older teen taunted.

“You’re still a fool for wanting this.” Ophelia chastised Tyrion harshly, looking away when that received a nasty leer from her elder sibling.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Finding What Was Lost Part Four

With a deep breath, the Ophidian flexed his right hand, his other still somewhat numb even though it was bandaged and a day healed. There was also a dull ache coming from his right leg, though the magic he had worked into it would hold for now. A long shaft of light appeared in the Ophidian’s right hand, omitting the blade that he normally had in a spear for a quarterstaff instead. The display of magic seemed to cause the entire family save for Tyrion to gape, Rodrick going so far as to make an audible gasp of excitement. Taking a ready stance, he held up his left hand, flexing it for his opponent to come.

Tyrion let out a yell, running forward towards Lyr with very little tact in his fighting tactics it seemed. Lyr bent out of the way of the swung blade, going nearly at a perfect right angle to do so. He spun around the farmer boy, giving his rump a taunting tap with the end of his staff which earned an outright chuckle from Ophelia, even her mother putting a hand to her mouth to hide a smile of amusement.

Tyrion however was not the least bit amused, gritting his teeth together so much he could almost hear a scraping sound. He advanced again this time, much more professional in his approach which caught the Hunter off guard. The very real sharpened blade skidded across Lyr’s light staff with a few sparks, holding the Ophidian on the defensive. Not only did the older teen have the body of a blacksmith, his blows were as strong as such, causing a rattling pain to shoot up Lyr’s right arm every time there was contact.

Not content with staying on the defensive, Lyr struck back with several blows of his own. Tyrion was not as bad of a swordsman as the Hunter had thought at first, but that didn’t stop a few hits landing on the farm boy’s body anyways. Tyrion went for another one handed broad swing with his sword and once again Lyr ducked under it, though what he did not expect was a swift kick against his injured leg. While it must have felt like kicking a cement pillar, to Lyr the pain was not masked as he fell to the ground with a yell of pain, Tyrion limping a bit back in recoil for his hurt foot.

Advancing on the grounded Lyr, he looked ready to pounce on him but he was not ready for Lyr’s quickness from a grounded position. Leaping like a viper -unironically enough- to strike with an enhanced left hook with light runes spreading up his left forearm, he connected with Tyrion’s abdomen, knocking the wind out him and causing him to double over clutching his gut. Lyr immediately felt the repercussion of his move, feeling the pain move up his entire left arm. He would have struck with the right except for the fact of the weapon held in it. For good measure, he smacked with butt against Tyrion’s mouth, sending him on his back while Lyr had to take a knee, his right leg finally giving. He had to lean against to quarterstaff to stop from fully slumping over.

Coughing several times as air finally came back to him, Tyrion rubbed the blood away from the split corner of his lip, though the pain he felt in his stomach was too bad to sit up. There was a grunt from his father, who watched the whole display stone-faced. “Maybe this’ll teach you not to mess with your obvious betters, Tyrion. And you son… this’ll teach you not to antagonize someone who can fight back. Especially while injured. A fair lesson for the both of you I think.”

“Point taken…” Lyr let out in a strained voice, trying not to focus too much on his hurting hand. With a moment of apprehension, he reached out a hand to Tyrion, the older teen looking over slowly and taking it, slowly being help up by the Ophidian. “Even?” Lyr asked.

“...yeah… even.” the other teen relinquished with a deep intake of air and another cough.

“Well… I think this has been an illuminating day for all of us.” Ophelia spoke up, smirking mischievouslymischievously at the battered boys, “Now that a truce has been called, why don’t we go start lunch ma? You can tend to Lyr’s wounds.”

“Yeah, good idea sweetie.” She knelt down, patting her son’s shoulder and having to be assured three times very firmly by him until she felt satisfied enough that he was okay. “Dear, please help Lyr into the house.” She asked of her husband as she and Ophelia went to go into the house.

With a sigh, the large man rubbed the back of his neck, “Rodrick, go get the pale of milk your sister forgot and care of it.” The ten year old frowned and pouted but nonetheless went to go do as he was told. Reaching down, the man picked Lyr up as if he were a rag doll. “You’d best be on home to the guildhouse after we eat. I am sure your people must be worried.”

Lyr nodded, suddenly having it dawn on him that he told no one he had been leaving the guildhouse. “Mother is going to kill me…” he grumbled irritably. When he received a weird look from the man, he quickly came up with a diversion. “I-I never got your name, sir.”

The man looked up as if in thought, then he nodded, “I suppose I never did introduce myself. My name is Tyrion.” he answered.

That brought a dumbfounded look to his face and he looked over at the slightly older teen trailing behind, “Just call me TJ,” he spoke up irritably, rubbing his stomach, “Da thought it would be quite the jest to name me after him.”

“It wasn’t a jest. I just like the name a lot.” His father defended in a low grumbled, bringing Lyr into the home.

Lyr let out a small chuckle, rubbing his left forearm. He knew once he returned to the manor, he would receive quite the lashing figuratively -and he prayed to a god of mercy if there was one not literally- but at least he was comforted to know he would return with quite a story. Not to mention having made his first true sort of friends since coming to Serasem from his long journey. He left a lot home in Kemar. Maybe, Lyr finally realized, he had even more to find where he was now.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dhalexpert&Zombiesplitter 53

The Embers of war


Alice Castle
Serasam
July 5 3349
12:45 pm

Alice was putting on a blond wig, and some contacts to make her eyes look blue." Huh it's been a while since I wore this disguise Miranda black ou how I've missed this Character." Alice changed into more formal attire like she was in the last time." Right off I go to see Mina see if I can get new info out of her."


"Are you sure you want to go alone, Mistress?" Rumi asked. "The alchemist's potion can mask your vampiric aura, but I am still worried one of the Band might run into you."

"Well if your that worried you can come with me, I don't mind pulse you get to meet the person that's been giving the goddess of discord such wonderful pain."

Rumi smiled, and nodded. "We should hurry then. If we get there too late, they might not except us in."

"Very well then come on, ou you can bring the prisoner to. I trust Crixus but i'm sure she could she some air, also were heading to a guild and she's a vampire so she has no choice but to behave."

"If... you think that is for the best." Rumi walked off, returning a few minutes later with Lilith.

"You're actually trusting me enough to take me on your little excursion?" Lilith asked in surprise.

“Well I’m going to a guild, and I’m bringing you along so A. You don’t turn any of my men, and B. If you try anything there they will hurt you, so play nice.” Alice finish the last bit of her desigese.

Lilith took a deep breath, and nodded. "Very well."

Rumi bowed her head. "Let us depart, mistress. And... you look very lovely."

“Thank you Rumi now lets get moving it takes a while.” As the trio leave the castle the get on some horses that Lorica tamed and made there way to the Have Brook manor.

The moon was new, the only thing lighting the way being the occasional road side lamp and the brilliant assortment of starts in the sky. They reached the manor near 8 p.m., the usual guards standing watch at the front gate. They were extra cautious at night, a time when the more dangerous fauna came out to play. "Halt! State your name and business!"

Alice pulled up to the manor and removed her hood.” Good evening guards, I’m here to see Mina is she around?”

"Lady Havenbrook should be in, yes." The guards stood down a tad. "You name, m'lady?"

Miranda Black I came here around six months ago, though it was a one time visit.”

The guard nodded, and the pair stood up straight. "Apologies. You never know what creatures of the night might be planning an ambush. Please, go right in."

Alice smiled her fangs being retracted for the moment.” Ou yes you never know what horrible monster could be lurking in the darkness, keep up the good work.” Alice went past the guards and looked at her sister.” Not one suspension of the slightest.”

"You speak as though they are idiots," Lilith responded, eyes forward. "Of course they aren't suspicious. Few vampires have been seen in three hundred years. Your actions will spark a paranoia about one's neighbors they worked hard to get past."

"Ou that's the point after all i'm meant to bring the world to it's knees, but first I need somethings form Mina since she's the one that gave me the original map I had to get all the bandiest I have now. So let's see what I can learn from her this time."

One of the Hunters guided the trio to a private dinning room where Mina was eating a late dinner. When they entered, she walked over and shook Miranda's hand. "Good to see you again, my distant neighbor. And who are these two?"

Alice waved her hand to the two others." The pink haired woman is my personal assassinate Rumi and the other woman is my sister. It's good to see you again Mina how have you been?"Alice loked at Mina stomach and raised an eyebrow." Ou your pregnant when did that happen?"

"Well, if it happened when I think it happen, about four months ago." Mina chuckled and placed her hand on her belly. "Am I showing that much? Does this baby make my butt look fat?"

Alice gave a genuine smile. "No you look lovely so I've been busy, have you noticed a lower amount of bandits lately?"

"As a matter of fact, I have." Mina folded her arms and grinned. "If it is your doing, you are quite bad for my business. I'd be mad if I didn't appriciate how much easier it is to move about without some trying to rob you."

"That is my doing, i'm taking all the bandiest and giving them a better purpose and re purposing them for better uses."

Lilith watched the two curiously. How can she talk with an enemy so casually? She is so calculated with everything, and yet she brought me here. Surely she knows I might risk it by telling this Mina the truth. The only reason I don't is because it would ruin my plans. Her eyes widened a bit. Does... does Alice know this? Is this why she brought me? To test my resolve? Or does she really have that kind of trust in me? Damn it all!
Mina raised an eyebrow. "You're reforming them? Well, that's... unexpected. What are you having them do? Are you finding them jobs or something?"

"Smiting hunting the local monsters, taking out pirates." Got myself a ship as well took it from some pirates it took some work they were rowdy at first. They even raped my assent." Alice looked at Rubi. "To which I'm deeply sorry for that, but once I mad an example out of one of them they all fallowed."

Mina gave Rumi a sympathetic, knowing look. "I'm so sorry to hear that. And I'm happy to hear you are doing something productive with them." She waved over to the table. "I was just eating dinner. Unfortunately, I have duties that often make me miss meal times, and I'm eating for two. I could have something made for you three if you're hungry. My chefs are quite skilled. They better be for how much I pay them."

"I already ate as well as my sister, but for my assistant you could ask her." Alice turned to Rumi. "Rumi are you hungry? I'm sure there cook will have no problem serving you." Alice also looked at her sister and how she's trying to read Alice. "Aw sis your pail, here let my help you. You please let me look over my sister, Mina do you have a bath room?"

"Of course. It's down the hall to the right. Second door down."

"Thank you." Alice escorted Lilith to the bath room. "What's wrong having a hard time figuring out what i'm doing? or are trying to see if this is genuine me being polite?"

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

"Something like that." Lilith placed her hands on her hips. "You told me your goddess partner wants this Guild destroyed, which means even if you don't get along with her, these people are your enemies. Not to mention your general disdain for humans in general. And yet, you’re so friendly. Charming even. I hate to admit that I'm impressed with your acting skills."

Alice patted Lilith shoulder." Were vampires sister our life outside the city is a lie, but for you am I lying or am I telling the truth have your words finally got to me or am I acting? The fact that your trying to figure it all out is funny to me."

Liltih turned up her nose. "I am soooo glad I can give you such entertainment. Just try not to disappoint me by dropping the act and suddenly mutilating this woman. It would... ruin the mood."

"Now why would I kill a pregnant woman have some faith in me." Alice left the bath room and made her way back to Mina and took a seat." So Mina tell me about your hunters I would love to learn about them?"

"Well..." Mina took a bite of her food. "We don't discriminate here. Humans, Thropes, Elves. All comers. We rank Hunters C-A, though we have a couple S ranks. We have mercenaries, assassins, runaways. Swordweilders, witches, gunners. Pretty much if you want it, we got it. They... no discrimination thing helps with that."

"Well that's nice to know, all sorts of people come here that's kind of you so everyone is welcome? Are there special cases that joined you like say vampires or stuff of legends?"

"A Vampire?" Mina tapped her fork against her plate in thought. "Never thought about it, but... I mean, the war was three centuries ago so... I don't see why not. I might keep a closer eye on them at first, but yeah. I'd let them join."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Ou relay have you ever met a vampire before?"

"Not to my knowledge, no," Mina admitted.

“Ou well then this should be fun.” Alice took off her wig and her contacts reveling her purple hair and crimson eyes.” Let me reintroduce myself, I’m Alice Valentine it’s a pleasure to meet you.”


Lilith looked at her sister like she was out of her mind.

"Well, now... this is interesting." Mina tapped her fingers. "So you've been lying to me about who and what you are, huh?"

“Well could you blame me most well damn near everyone still hates my kind, shit you have a holiday celebrating it so excuse me lying.”

Mina held up her hand. "Alright, alright. Point taken. I just have this thing about... deception. Makes me wonder if the other stuff about the bandits is true or not."

"Well yes and no, I am re purposing them they are smiths and other things. But there no longer dumb bandiest I’m making them soldiers and we raid not travelers that's too easy we raid ships and high targets so it's not a total lie and I am taking bandiest out of certain arise, and if they don't join me there dead so I’m not entirely lying nor am I telling the truth . Some areas are bandit free and other areas get attack by well-trained bandiest and the fodder are killed by me so I am getting rid of bandiest."

"But I doubt you're only attacking other bandits and pirates." Mina leaned back. "How many innocent people are your targets as well?"

There inconvenient and I only kill innocents so I can feed, tell me Mina how many innocents died during that ship yard raid that weren't guards, or out post that were raided? I killed a lot of guards but innocents sure some here and there as collateral, but actively hunting them down not if I can help it but if my living army dyes." Alice made a blue orb in her hand then they still serve me living or dead, so the innocent you don't have to worry about too much." Alice made the orb disappear

Mina took a deep breath, seemingly just as put off by the fact that she was a necromancer. "I see. And... what... made you decide to reveal all this to me?"

Alice layed back in the chair. "Point blank your going to die, the goddess of discord wants me to attack your guild and get you out of the picture me on the other hand. Well I see things differently I don't want you dead well not yet anyway."

Rumi herself stared at Alice in disbelief. Mina tapped her fingers against the table, the hairs on her neck standing on edge at the mention of the goddess. "Alright. So... where do we go from here? Do you want something from me? Or is this just a show of power? A visit to intimidate me?"

"A little bit, but I came for something more." Alice leaned in foreword. "See I need you to keep doing what your doing, I do love seeing the goddess fail so much and seeing her angry is so enjoyable you can't believe. But what I want from you is once i'm done conquering your home and take it from you, if you manage to live through it I want you take my sister and Rumi some were safe."

Mina slowly looked between the three women and chuckled. "Right. You want me to do you a favor after you attack and eliminate my home and place of business. Anything about that sound off to you?"

"Okay look here I'm going to attack you mostly because that's what the goddess wants me to do, but surly there's something I can do for you. I mean i'm a necromancer maybe your family?"

"Don't... you... dare." Mina grit her teeth angrily. "You will not turn my family into your undead abominations." Mina took several deep breaths to calm down. "I get what you're saying. This isn't personal, It's business. But don't think you can walk all over me or my Hunters. If you win, sure. I'll watch over these two. Just as long as there are no hard feelings when my Hunters wipe out your bandits and I drive a silver stake through your heart myself."

Alice laughed. "Ou you won't be winning there is more that I’m hiding from you but that's what the Tarer is for, now I should mention I do like you Mina I relay do and there is a war coming for all of Terra that I will be the head of. I want you to prepare for it gather your ales and anyone you can grab because when I’m done the world my race will hopefully be in a better part then what there in now, but I just might shock you i the end of it. Ou and as for your parents Reaper can you please come here?"

The ever watching creature stepped out of the shadows. Mina gave it a shocked look, not expecting that.

"Reaper is it possible for you to bring back people as living again, and not a zombie?"

"Only with a proper vessel and their soul." The Reaper looked over Mina, it's eyes glowing for a moment. "I can only take souls from Hell at this time. Without the God of Light's permission, I cannot remove a soul from Elysio, where her parents now reside."


"Well damn it was worth a shot thank you reaper for the info." Alice turned to Mina maybe there's some other way I can help you so this doesn't seem so hostile?"

Mina slowly looked back at her, wary of taking her eyes off the reaper. "You could always not try and attack my Guild or kill my Hunters in this 'war' of yours?"

"Unfortunately I have no choice, because if I don't then I’m sure my own sister is dead as well as me, but if I were to play your escape and say that you got away. You will still lose the guild house but most of your hunters will be alive including your baby, which I’m against killing a pregnant woman.

"Well, how noble of you," Mina stated with a bit of venom. "I'm sorry, but I think I'll take my chances. After all, I have a few surprises of my own in store for you."

"I'm sure you do and I might have some of my own." Alice stood up. "No hard feeling for what will happen to you I do it not out of hate but because I must. "

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

"What we must do is often dictated by the choices we have made leading up to them, making them more of a choice then we want to believe." Lady Havenbrook sat up straight. "I would... like for you to leave now. Please."

"Yes of course it was good to see you again Mina I hope you do well and continue the good work, I look forward to hear about your exports." Alice made her way out of the room.

Mina took another bite of her dinner before quickly standing up to find Eraqus.

As they stepped out of the manor, Rumi continued to watch Alice, too nervous to ask what was on her mind. Lilith, on the other hand, was less reserved. "You are out of your damn mind."

"Ou there's a reason I came here dear sister, I do have a plan for this don't you worry. But why would you." Alice turned to her sister. "After all i'm a monster right?"

"What plan?!" Lilith let out a grim laugh. "You do realize that you warned your victim of your impending attack, told her what kind of force to expect, that you're a vampire, and are now giving them time to prepare for it? You'll be lucky if she isn't mobilizing an attack force. Does she know where you're living?"

"Yes she does and the point of a prisoner is to keep there mouth shut, and not to understand what the person keeping them prisoner is working on. I have a few thing for Mina if she wants to attack me, See I want her to know i'm coming makes it all the more fun."

"If you say so." Lilith turned up her nose. "Far be it for me to tell you how to be a tyrant bent on attacking a person she claims to like on behalf of a goddess she hates. Wonder what Tecunte would think if she knew you did this."

"She has other thing going on and barley pays me any mind, Rumi take our prisoner home I have some thins I need to take care of here."

"Yes, mistress. Please don't stay out by yourself too long. Especially now." Rumi helped Lilith onto her horse, climbing on herself and taking off south.

Alice turned to a swarm of bats and circled the manor, she then saw an opened window and went inside. "Ah this place looked roomy If I had to say this is Mina room, whelp better make myself comfortable." Alice sat in Mina chair and looked over her office.

It was roomy as well, her desk large and made of expensive materials, some papers scattered about it. As she looked around, she heard a loud caw. Perched on the window was a large raven, staring as if watching her.

Alice looked at the raven remembering it from last time. "Go away crow, i'm busy go find a course to feed off of." Alice went through Mina office and she found papers about all the guild members. "Ou jack pot now let's see your roster."

The raven continued to caw angrily. After a minute, the door to the office open. "What wrong, Bishop?" Aemilia stepped into the room. She carefully walked in and towards the window. "Did Mina not feed you or something? You know she doesn't like it when you beg."

Alice looked at the small child and actually looked shocked and put down the books on the guild members and went to the kid. Alice having no idea what to say to the child." Um kid are you lost or something?"

Aemilia jumped a bit, turning to Alice and revealing her bandaged eyes. "I-I live here. Who... why are you in Mina's office?"

“I’m looking for something, so you live here huh do you have a family?”

"M-Mina is my only family. She's my second cousin." Aemilia took a step back. "W-what are you looking for. I don't think you're supposed to be in here."

“No I’m just new around here is all, and I’m looking for something.” Alice went back to the desk and looked over the roster of hunters.” Some very impressive people in this manor.”

"P-please, miss," Aemilia stammered nervously. "Bishop wouldn't make a fuss if you were allowed here. P-please leave... please."

Alice ignored the kid and continued to read the roster." huh a man with a Dire wolf and from the iron legion, whatever that is a mage with fire ice and light magic. A wolf tophen a Elf that's infused with corruption? And a..." Alice looked at this one again a.. a dragon Tophen?"

Aemilia shook a little, but tightened her fist. "Y-you need to leave now!" she shouted in a shaking voice. "O-or else!"

"Or else what kid look just relax I'll be leaving soon don't you worry." Alice looked at the child and see the bandages on her eyes and realized that she's blind." Alright i'm leaving." Alice walked to the door and opened it and then she closed the door and made her way back to the desk and reading the documents.

Aemilia scrunched her nose in frustration. "I'm blind, n-not stupid. Even if I fell for the oldest trick in the sightless book, I can still sense your aura, and... a-and I can still smell you." She placed her hands against you bandages. "M-my eyes are cursed. If I open them and look at you, you'll be petrified. S-so... so l-leave now on y-your own, o-or... or be carried out a-as a statue."

Alice looked at the kid. "Ou a person that can turn people into stone huh? Well doesn't that sound useful but lucky for you I don't attack kids, so tell me little one were you born cursed?"

"Um... u-uh... I don't know." Aemilia frowned. "I have no memory of my life before coming to this manor. I only know I have had this curse for as long as I can remember."

"Hum the world is full of interesting people even children, well then little one how about you leave and go tell on me or something like that."

"How... how about I scream, and then petrify you?" Aemilia countered, taking a deep breath.

Alice looked at the kid and waited for her to scream. "Go ahead scream I want you to call for help."

Aemilia considered her options for a moment, then let out a high pitched scream that reverberated across the room and left Alice's ears ringing. It was only moments later that the door to the office flew open.

Alice fell to her knees trying to get her barrings and she looked around the room and saw Mina. "Ou hay there Mina man your cousin can relay scream."

Mina rushed over to her desk, pulling a large handgun out of it and pointing it at Alice. In the doorway, Eraqus drew his sword and coated it with flames. "Listen hear, vampire," Mina practically growled. "There might nor be silver bullets in this weapon, but at this distance, it doesn't need them to blow your head off. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet is because you didn't attack me in the dining room. But if you don't leave right now, you're dead."

Alice smiled at Mina "Aw you think you could kill me at this distance." With her supernatural powers Alice quickly closed the gap between her and Mina and swatted the gun out of her hands. " Relax woman there is one more thing I want you to know, something that bitch goddess won't admit."

It was obvious Mina was struggling to keep her anger in check. The flames on Eraqus' sword flickered brighter, but Mina held up a hand to make him wait. "And what is that?"


"The goddess of darkness is dead, I burred her myself that's what the god of discord did. She has lost her mind and has clearly gone off the deepen, and I’m sure she is causing a bunch of other chaos and havoc to make herself stronger. Are you interested in what I have to say now?"

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 4

"I might be if I felt I could believe you," Mina answered. "How could she kill another goddess? They're immortal."

"I saw it with my own eyes, she took my ax and counted it with who knows what and when the goddess of darkness got hit with it she turned to dust in my hand." Alice gave Mina her gun back. "Look i'm here to tell you that war is coming not just here but all over Terra, and when the other gods find out that a god killed another they will get involved as well. I'm warning you ahead of time so your not overwhelmed when it happens. Me i'm just playing my part as the villain and traitor of my race, you can believe me or not but it's going to happen."

"Why not stand against the goddess?" Mina insisted. "You obviously hate her. Why not fight against her with us, instead of against us with her?"


"So I hear constantly, but if I betray her or if she finds out about this. I fear for my sister as well as some of my ales so no thanks, and even if I did join you I made to much of an influence on my friends so even if I want to I can't."

"I don't understand you." Mina shook her head. "If you are so afraid of her, why take the risk of telling me all this?"

"Do you know how many times she's come to my castle complaining about you." Alice cleared her throat and tried to sound like the goddess." Damn them they keep ruing my plans, how how can they reawaken the goddess of dreams, it was fool proof. Get the picture now, you and this guild have truly driven her insane so why not tell you."

Mina sighed. "Fine. We plan to continue to drive her crazy. If... if you try and stay out of our way, we'll stay out of yours. You can start by leaving without trying to look through any more of my files."


"Heh I already t saw what I needed to see, anyway figured you needed to know what was coming is all. I don't hate you i'm sure it doesn't help best I tell you anyway." Alice turned into a sworm of bats and left through the window.

Mina let out a sigh of relief. "Good job, Aemilia. Eraqus, the moment Charter and Esmeralda get back I want the former working on anti-undead potions and the latter with her nose in any and every book we have on vampires, necromancer, and reapers. And I want the shield anti-vampired immediately."

"On it." Eraqus took off, leaving Mina to contemplate their next move.

Alice got far away from the manor when she was far away from the Manor she turned back to normal and smiled. "Prepare your defenses, make all you can against me and my undead it won't matter. I will bring apon you all the bandits and monsters I have brought and one by one I will destroy your manor and when your defenses are down you see what a true bandit tribe is like." Alice laughed and looked at the sky. "I have everyone guessing on which side i'm on, let them keep guessing makes thing fun and interesting."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
Chimera Conundrum
OR
Bringing Baby Back Home

Part One

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
July 7th, 3349
12:12 p.m.

Betty found herself making her way towards Ms Havenbrook's office, her mind still wandering to her lost daughter on occasion, despite Magdalene's advice. The Fly thought that getting to know the Lead Hunter better would be enough to distract her, after all, they hadn't spoken much, at least as friends, which deserved to be rectified. As the Fly turned the corner, she spotted the door to Mina's office, briefly recalling when it was swallowed by the void before bringing her fist to the door to knock gently.

"Come on in!" Mina called out. As Betty entered, Mina said, "You caught me in the middle of an experiment. Want to help me out?"

"Experiment? What kind of experiment?" Betty asked as she opened the door.

Mina waved her over. "I got this thing." She pointed to a steaming pot. "It's called chocolate fondue. Supposedly, you can dip anything in it, and It's delicious." She held up a banana. "Wanna try it out with me?"

"Sure!" Betty walked over, sitting down. She leaned over the pot, the steam fogging up her goggles lightly. "So... It's like Chocolate you can... Dip zhings in?"

"Exactly. Friend of mine said it was crazy I have never had a chocolate covered banana." Mina broke it in half and put both ends on a stick. Handing one to Betty, she dipped the other in the pot, waited for it to cool, and took a bite. Her almost orgasmic face said it all.

Her expectations thoroughly raised,Betty took a bite and she let out a sound of delight. "Zhat's fantastic! Fondue is wonderful!"

"Yes, it is. I never tried cheese fondue. I must do so now." Mina opened up a jar of pickles and pulled one out, poking it onto the stick. "Wanna tried a chocolate pickle?"

"A chocolate... Pickle? Sounds odd... But alright." The Fly said, taking the pickle and dipping it into the chocolate before taking a bite. "Huh... It's not bad, just, interesting..."

Mina chuckled, biting into her own. "Sorry. Don't mean to gross you out. I have just had odd cravings since... you know."

"You know wh- Oh!" The realization hit her, "I heard you're pregnant! Congratulations!"

Mina nodded. "Thank you. Can't exactly hide it anymore unless I start wearing really baggy sweaters. But I'm sure you came here for something else. And I'm actually glad you stopped in."

"Well... Honestly... I just kind of wanted to talk, take my mind off zhings... Nothing World-Ending." Betty rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

Mina put a strawberry on a stick. "I don't like to pry into the personal affairs of my people too much, but I am always open for a chat. Are you and Ms. Starstorm still an item?"

"Yes. We're very close." The Fly confirmed, "Um... By ze way... Zhank you for lending us your carriage..."

"You are very welcome. I might let you borrow my car if it wasn't so expensive." Mina's expression turned to one of concern. "Is she okay? After her parents died, compounded by the loss of your demon friend, I heard she was having a hard time. Has she recovered at all?"

"Demon friend..." Betty's big black eyes saddened. "She's... Doing better, we both are... It's just hard to not zhink about..."

Worried she ruined Betty's mood, Mina attempted to change the subject. "Your, um... your aunt and cousin seem to be doing well."

"Yeah, zhey're... Not quite what I expected... But zhen again, I'm not sure exactly what I expected..." The Thrope smiled lightly, "All I know is zhey are willing to be my family, so I'm willing to be zhiers. My family feels like it has already grown so much during my time here."

"That's good to hear." Mina slowly frowned. "Look... I feel I have... avoided this for too long. The demon child... Eliza, right?" She lowered her gaze. "I didn't... if there was anyway... I'm... sorry. I truly am. Please understand that I couldn't stop it. I wanted to. Seeing how you reacted, I wanted to run down there and pull her away from them. But..."

"I should've stopped zhem myself... But... I thought maybe zhey wouldn't do anything to harm her... I was wrong..." The Tinkerer clenched a fist, "I found out what zhey've been doing to her... Experimenting on her, starving her, prodding her..."

"I don't understand." Mina walked around the desk and placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "How do you know these things?"

"E-Erin has friends in Fairaven..." Betty replied, not a lie, but barely a fraction of the real story. "Zhey're treating my little girl like a lab animal... Maybe even worse..."

Mina didn't know what to say, knowing there was nothing she could really do to comfort her. She was almost glad when the scrying disk on the nearby shelf started to glow. "I'm sorry. I'll tell whoever it is to call back later."

"No... Don't let me be a bother, just take it..." Betty said in a hollow tone.

MIna walked over to the device, running her hand over it. "It... it's from the Fairaven Institute of Magic."

"What?" Betty looked up, the lifelessness in her voice fading. "Why would zhey be contacting you?"

"Good question." Mina turned a large knob and placed the device in the middle of the room. A blue aura of light spread out, touching everything in the room and staying on Mina and Betty for a moment. Finally, the call was received. Standing at the front of the room, real as life if not for their slight transperancy, where two men. One was a stranger, an Elf dressed in scholarly robes and looking important in some fashion, while the other man was Alfondo Charmles, the men who had stolen Erin's notes and caused Eliza to be handed over.

"You..." Betty uncharacteristically hissed, "Must have a lot of nerve contacting us again..."

Charmles gave her a nervous look. "What's wrong? Upset you can't manhandle me again?"

The other man held up a hand to silence Alfondo. "I am Lizar Streamwood, Director of the Institute. I am calling because we have a job for you. Can we speak privately."

"Betty is a trusted Hunter and is well aware of our rules on discretion," Mina responded. "In place of my right hand man, I insist she be here during these talks." She gave Betty an encouraging smile.

"Zhank you Ms. Havenbrook." Betty said, looking back up at the display.

Streamwood nodded. "I will get straight to the point. Fairaven has been violating international law by conducting illegal experiments in the production of military grade Chimera. Mr. Charmles."

Alfondo cleared his throat. "A few days ago, a woman claiming to be the Goddess of Discord entered my lab and released all of the Chimera. She programmed them to head straight to Mirandia and cause a ruckus down there."

Streamwood nodded. "All attempts for our soldiers to stop them have ended in failure. We need you to stop them before they cause too much damage and alert Mirandia of their presence, likely triggering a war between our nation's. We can not send our own Hunters as it would draw attention to Fairaven, and we obviously can't ask a Mirandia guild. We trust you as a foreign guild and as ones who have had rumored dealings with the goddess to take in."

Mina listened with a neutral gaze. "Go into Mirandia, kill a bunch of military monsters before they cause an international incident. A lot is on the line, it will be incredibly dangerous, and we stand to be pulled into the middle of it." She glanced at Betty. "What do you think?"

The Fly Thrope stood up, glaring at Charmles before something hit her, could this be the event Destani was foreshadowing? "And... What do we get from zhis, zhis is a... Dangerous mission... I zhink if we suceed we should be compensated with more zhan just gold..."

"More then gold, you say?" Streamwood gave her a curious look.

"Well, yeah. Though the gold should be substantial, of course." Mina grabbed a pen and paper. "Quite the distance to travel. Multiple targets. Military grade killing machines. Preventing an international incident. Putting my men in physical danger. Putting my men in political danger. A cover up. All equals... this."

She held up the sheet of paper, and both men gasped. "That... that's an outrageous price!" Charmles exclaimed.

"One that is lowered because this involves Tecunte," Mina said sternly. "Good luck finding a better price anywhere else. Not to mention the more you shop around, the more people know of your crime. Of course, there are other deals we can take. Betty?" Mina winked at her. "Did you have anything in mind?"

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Part Two

"I believe zhere's a little demon girl you... Acquired... From us." Betty mentioned, trying her best to keep cool. "We would like her to be returned to us. We did work finding her, risked our lives bringing her here, took care of her after an unexpected hatching, and took all the notes you are using for your experiments on her..."

"Preposterous!" Charmles stepped forward. If he had actually been there, he and Betty would have been face to face. "What does it matter what you did while it was there? It is ours. There was a contract in place. And now you expect us to turn of one of the greatest finds in the history of... forever?!"

Betty pulled off her goggles to reveal her eyes, her face full of anger. "I do. I don't even know how much longer she'll last with you... I know what you've been doing to her... The Starvation, painful shock prodding, even how small zhat cage you have her in is..."

Alfondo took a step back. "You... don't know what you're talking about."

"I think that is a fair trade." Another Elf, a woman with a confident gaze, stepped into view. "Considering the danger involved, a trade of materials is fair. All I propose is for information on the subject to be shared with us. If we both get the information, what does it matter who examines her?"

"I believe I can arrange that with our lab." Mina looked over her estimate cost. "I'll even drop the price a little bit."

The director looked troubled, turned between the need for this service and the desire to keep his test subjects. His eyes wondered over to the Fly Thrope.

"Honestly, it's eizher her, or an international incedent and war... Zhe Fairaven government might be able to save face in Mirandia's eyes though by throwing all of you under zhe bus and putting you in prison. If you're lucky." Betty crossed her arms, shaking her head from side to side before zeroing in on Charmles. "And you... You who seemed to have forgotten what I told you before you left..."

She held the silence ominously for a moment, before continuing, "But don't worry, give her back, and I might be inclined to consider zhat a worzhy apology..."

Charmles only cleared his throat, having nothing to respond with. After a moment of silence, the Director said, "Very well. We will transfer the funds to you before you set out as a down payment, and release the demon to your custody if you successfully complete the mission. Mr. Charmles will send you all the details."

He walked away in something of a huff, Alfondo following close. The woman lingered, a worried expression on her face. She smiled at Betty and asked, "Are you Amam?"

"Amam... Yes, I'm her Amam..." She said, her rage almost instantly metamorphosizing into sadness.

"I'm Mary." The woman stepped forward. "I am her current... caregiver of sorts. She... she is doing well. She doesn't talk a lot, but when she does, it is almost always about you."

"You're Erin's friend? You haven't been taking part in any of the actions of zhat terrible man's experiments, have you...?" She asked with some suspicion.

"N-no no no! I swear!" Mary held up her hands. "I-I took her away from him. I... I know I probably look like just another evil scientist torturing your daughter, but I am treating her with the utmost care." She looked back briefly. "A-and I want to help assure you get her back."

The Fly's face softened, lowering her guard. "Are you really telling the truth? You've been protecting her?"

"As much as I can, I promise," Mary assured her.

"You seem doubtful of your headmaster," Mina said, folding her arms.

"He, um... ahem, Elves are very proud, and have certain customs to, well... show they above others." Mary rubbed the back of neck. "One practice is to always pay fees ahead of time, but he insisted on you finishing the mission before handing over Eliza. I was also surprised with how quick he was to agree to handing her over. He didn't try and haggle or anything."

"Do you zhink he might try to weasel out of it?" Betty asked with concern.

"I don't know, but..." She held her hands together. "Please believe me, Betty. I know how you feel. She might not be very warm to me, understandably so, but I can see why you care about her so much. I swear, I will make sure that she returns to you. On my honor as an Elf, and as a fellow mother, you will get her back."

Betty was quiet for a long time before looking up at her, a pleading in her large eyes. "Can... Can I see her?"

"Um... I... can try."

The call ended. For ten minutes, Mina and Betty stood in silence, waiting and hoping. Just as the former was about to give up, the scrying disk started to blink. Mina quickly pushed the accept button, and it scanned the room once more. When it was finished, a young girl with a teen body and wings was looking around in confusion.

"E-Eliza?" Betty said, the demon's newer, more mature form catching her off guard for a moment. However, that thought was driven from her mind, replaced by joy, despite feeling almost desperate. "Eliza! It's Amam!"

"Amam?" She slowly turned, crying out and rushing to wrap her arms around Betty. They only passed through her, however, tears rolling down Eliza's cheeks. "Amam? What...?"

Betty's eyes watered as well as she wrapped her arms 'around' Eliza. "I'm... I'm still far away sweetie... But I'm so happy to see you again, you've grown so much... My little girl is so big..."

"I miss you, Amam." Eliza wiped her eyes. "Are you okay? Your not a ghost, are you?"

"No, not a ghost. Zhis zhing just helps us talk from far away." Betty explained simply, "Every day you have been gone, Amam and Erin have been thinking about little Eliza... Trying to find a way to get you home... And I zhink we finally found one."

"I can come home soon?" Eliza asked excitedly, we wings raising up a bit. "You promise? I... I don't like it here. The new lady treats me better, but I still have to stay in a cage and do their stupid tests. I wanna go home with you."

"I promise, because zhey can't afford to trick me and keep you since we know their secret." Betty smirked, looking over at Mina for a second. "You'll come home and Erin and I will get to hold you in our arms for real and you'll see all your friends again. You'll leave zhat horrible place forever, I would do anyzhing to see my baby again..."

"Thank you, Amam." Eliza quickly ducked out of view, and returned with the teddy bear Betty gave her. "Look! I still have the Eddie you gave me. They tried to take it away, but the lady got it back for me. Every night, I sing the songs you sang to me to put him to sleep."

Betty felt almost like her heart would explode from happiness, so she covered it with her hands. "Zhat's the sweetest zhing I've ever heard..."

The Insect Thrope sighed a sigh of longing as she looked at her daughter. "You look almost like a teenager now... I bet zhese past weeks must have felt like years to you..."

Eliza nodded, holding the toy close. "I was okay though... because I knew you would come for me." She glanced to the side. "The... The lady says we can't talk much longer. She says she'll get in a lot of trouble if we're caught."

"Okay, I'll see my baby again soon... And when I do, you're going to come home..." Betty stretched out her hands on front of her, forming a heart with her fingers. "Amam loves you Eliza!"

Eliza sobbed softly. "Eliza loves Amam." She mimicked the hand gesture, holding it for a few moments before reaching down to the scrying disk and pressing a button to end the call.

Mina stared sadly at Betty, not sure what to say.

"I'm so close..." Betty said, looking down at her hands, tear drops falling into her open palms. "She's almost home... I just need to do a little more..."

"We all do. You're not alone in this. You have three ways to get her back now." Mina walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Either they deliver Eliza, Mary finds a way to get her to us..." Mina held up a fist. "Or we take her back by force."

Betty turned around, giving the Lead Hunter a light grin. "Thank you Ms- Mina... We may not have seen eye to eye about her at first, but you are able to see how much she really means to me... In our eyes, she's our real Daughter... And she means zhe world to Erin and I..."

"I understand." Mina smiled back. "You want to get something to eat and catch up a little more?"

"Of course..." The Soot skinned girl answered, walking slowly to the door and opening it up. "So... I hope it wouldn't be prying too much to ask but... Who's ze Dad?"

"His name is Janne," Mina answered. "He has been staying here for quite some time as a friend, but one day, he was going out on a long trip, and... you, I wanted to give him something to remember."

Betty looked left and right for a moment, not only the name but also her supposed interaction with him not ringing a bell. "I-I'm not sure I... Remember..."

"He keeps to himself. You probably haven't met him." Mina placed a hand on Betty's shoulder. "Come. I'll tell you all about him."

"Okay." Betty nodded, agreeing to walk with Mina.

 

[ExoGrim]

ZombieSplitter53 and ExoGrim
The Lost One

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
July 10th, 3349
5:57pm

"So bored..." Slowly floating down the hallway, her back facing down and her head upside down, staring forward, Esmeralda turned a lot of heads, ones she ignored. A bibliophile to the core, even she needed a break from reading every now and then, and with all the reading she had done about vampires, the undead, and reapers as of late, she was actually sick of books for now.

"But what to do?" She muttered to herself. This was the problem for one devoted to one hobby so much. She didn't feel like going to the garden, and Charter was busy mixing alchemic potions with Erin.

"Excuse me?"

Es tilted her head down a bit more, and jumped a bit. "M-Mana! I... almost never see you out of the storage rooms." She spun around, and landed on her feet. "Is everything okay?"

The small Kappa shook his head. "There is someone eating all the food."

"Well... who is it?" Es asked, leaning down.

"I don't know." Mana shook his head. "But they've been hiding in the store room for a while I think."

"Someone sneaking in and stealing our food, huh?" Esmeralda puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. "How... How rude! We shall deal with them right away!"

She picked up the some creature and flew off to the main stores. In her hurry, it didn't even occur to her to get one of the Hunters to check it out. She stepped into the middle of the room, placing her hands on her hips and loudly proclaiming, "Come out, squatter! No longer will you take what is not yours! Step into the light now, or... I'll... do something... I'll keep yelling for you, yeah!"

A chain could be seen turning the corner of one of the many supply crates. There was a bit of a muffled sound of someone munching on some sort of cracker. Whoever was in the room, they weren't too concerned with subtlety. After the thief had finished whatever they were eating, a loud thud followed as one of the crates was taken from the top of a stack and pulled straight down.

Esmeralda scratched her head. "How...long have you known they were here?" She asked Mana and his sister.

"A few days," Mana answered.

"Days! Why did you take so long to get someone!"

The Kappa exchanged a look, Lana saying, "We were afraid to go out."

Esmeralda sighed, and started sneaking to the sound of the ruckus. Instead of turning around some crates, she floated over them to spy from above.

She would notice a small fox Thrope taking a bite out of a cucumber. The girl had various scars on her arms and face. She sat crisscross on the ground, her right arm in between her legs and hiding view of her hand. On her left wrist was a shackle with the chain that Es had seen earlier. The Thrope took another bite out of the cucumber, not noticing the Light Elf in the sky.

What she did see was Lana and Mana peaking around the corner. They were salivating a bit, looking at her cucumbers with envy.

Upon noticing the two hungry Kappa, the thief swallowed the bite she was chewing on. She looked at the siblings in fear as she slowly got up and walked backwards. This revealed that she had no right hand, only a scab where the wound had failed to heal properly. After making it to the next opening, the thief darted away, trying to find a place to hide.

Esmeralda dropped down in her path, holding up her hands. "Hold on, now," she said softly, as if talking to a wounded animal. "We won't hurt you."

The girl took a few steps back. She was shaking and her eyes were wide. After a moment of standing still, the girl said. "You pr-pr-promise?"

"Um... yeah?" Es shrugged. "I mean, do I look like I could hurt anyone? I can't even hurt roaches, and I hate roaches! My brother says I need to give off a more confident look, but I always insist you make more friends with sugar then salt, so um..." Realizing she was rambling, she simply trailed off, lowering her arms to look less intimidating.

The girl cautiously approached Esmeralda. The scars that covered her were easier to see and it became more evident that clothes she wore were rags given to slaver workers. One could easily figure out that her wounds, save for her missing hand, were all caused by constant whippings. Even with how comforting Es was, the Thrope stilled seemed afraid of her.

"Okay, um... okay... um..." Es smiled sweetly. "Let's start with names. My name is Esmeralda. What is yours?"

"Name?" The child rubbed her arm. "We weren't allowed to have names, our owner said so."

"Not allowed names?" Es scratched her head. "Then what did they call you to get your attention and stuff?"

The girl rolled her sleeve up, revealing the number sixty seemingly burned onto her skin. "We had numbers, it was the easiest way to keep track of us should twins occur."

"I... see. Well, um... Ms. 60? It's a little muggy in here. How would you like... oh!" She clapped her hands together. "How would you like to get an actual meal instead of just eating raw stuff in here? Wouldn't that be nice?"

"Um... sure..." The Thrope answered hesitantly.

Esmeralda looked past her. "Can you two clean up this... mess?" The pair of Kappa were stuffing their faces with cucumbers. "When you're done... I mean." She held out a hand for the stranger. "Come on. And stick close. I'll make sure no one hurts you."

The slave girl followed Es closely, not letting go of her hand.

Many individuals gave her an odd or curious look as they made their way down the halls, though none said anything, taking Esmeralda's cheerful face as a sign that everything was fine. The Light Elf took her to one of the smaller dining rooms upstairs, only a few people here as opposed to the undoubtedly loud and busy mess hall. Es led her to a seat and said, "Wait here, okay? I'll be right back with something yummy."

The child sat there, looking around to make sure she was safe. Even in this peaceful place, the Thrope was nervous and scared... unsure of what would happen to her.

Esmeralda returned fifteen minutes later with a tray. "Here we are. I got you a nice, hot bowl of beef soup. I asked them to put in extra meat. You look like you can use a serious protein boost." She placed the tray in front of the girl, containing the soup, crackers, utensils, and a tall glass of lemonade.

The Thrope eyed the bowl skeptically, picking up the spoon and poking the liquid. After a moment of this, she scooped some of the soup and carefully put it in her mouth. The heat was nothing she wasn't used to, but the taste of juicy, well seasoned beef caught her off guard. She placed the spoon down, tears forming in her eyes. The girl turned her head to Esmeralda and, without warning, jumped up and hugged her. "Thank you! No ones ever been so nice to me before!" She said through the sobs.

Esmeralda held her tight, almost cuddling her. "Well now, that is a shame. Everyone deserves kindness, even something as simple as giving them a warm meal. But you are very welcome. Please, enjoy. There is more if you want it."

The child let go of Es. She started to feel light headed and nauseous, only briefly noticing why before losing consciousness. When letting go of the Librarian, the Thrope had managed to peel a piece off of her scabbed hand stub on the Elf's dress... causing blood to ooze out of it.

"Oh, my!" Esmeralda quickly shouted for the nearby Hunters to come help.

Sometime later, the girl designated 60 awoke in a new room. She was laying in a bed, not the most comfortable in the world, but far better then what she was used to. She was covered by a thin blanket, and had an IV in her arm. There was a wall behind the bed, and the other three sides were surrounded by a blue curtain. On the other sides were three silhouettes.

"...severe malnourished. Not sure what kept her going. The severing was not clean, nor was it given time to heal properly. It is a miracle she didn't get any number of fatal infections. Her fever is high. All in All, she has a long road to recovery. We are just lucky Ms. Starma shared her blood type, rare between races."

Still dazed from the blood lose, Sixty merely laid in the bed and try her best not to think about the discussion happening next to her.

"Are you awake?" She looked to the other side of the bed to find Esmeralda poking her head through the curtain, looking awfully concerned.

"Yeah..." The Thrope child answered weakly. "What happened?"

"You reopened a wound," Es answered, stepping in. "Anema combined with a sudden drop in blood pressure made you pass out." She sat next to the bed and placed her hand over the girl's stump. It was completely bandaged up, but Esmeralda still used some healing magic on it, just in case. "You gave me quite the fright."

She looked her right arm. "Don't worry, I've gotten used to it by now. My owner made me work with one hand, so I adapted."

"How did you lose it?" Esmeralda asked hesitantly. "Work accident?"

"No..." The girl replied. "It was punishment for disobedience."

"What?!" Es leaned forward. "They... they chopped your hand off as a punishment?!"

"We tried to rebel against our owner." The child explained. "He didn't like that. I was the leader, so he chained me to the ground and punished me."

"Oh... I see." Esmeralda lowered her head sadly.

 

[ExoGrim]

The Lost One
Part 2

"You're from Themosa, aren't you?" Mina stepped in through the curtain. "A runaway slave I take it?"

When the girl turned to see Mina, she froze. Her eyes widened as a chill ran down her spine. "Y-y-y-y-yes." The Thrope barely managed to squeak out.

"W.... what's wrong?" Mina asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Perhaps she has hard an understandable bad experience with humans," Esmeralda suggested. "Sixty, this is Lady Havenbrook. She is the Lady of this manor and the boss here. She is also a very kind, very understanding woman. She took me in under a similar circumstance as yours, though I was caught in the library."

"Ummm... Okay, I-I trust you." Sixty responded.

"Sixty, huh?" Mina sat on the other side of the bed, glancing at the number branded into her arm. "Was there any other name you went by? From family?"

"No. Father was too afraid to disobey the rules. No one was allowed to have names, so we just lived with our numbers." The Thrope rubbed her arm as she spoke. "Our owner didn't want us to have freedom, so he made sure we didn't have anything that would make us people."

Mina nodded in understanding. "You know... You're not the first runaway or lost child to come to my door. It must have been hard for you. Themosa isn't exactly a hop and a skip away. Why not stay here? At least until you can get back on your feet and recover your health."

"Umm... I guess I could." The Thrope remarked. "It's better than dying back home."

Es scratched her chin. "What... what about your father? Maybe we can arrange to get him or something?"

The girl lowered her head, trying her best not to cry. "He's... He's gone now."

"Oh... I see." Es lowered her own head.

Mina took a deep breath, and tried to smile. "What say I... introduce you to someone that might get your hopes up a bit?" She asked. "Maybe get you back something you're missing?"

"And what is that?" She inquired.

"Let it be a surprise." Mina quickly stood up and walked out.

"So, um..." Esmeralda fiddled with her hair. "If you're gonna stick around for a bit, we should figure out something to call you. I mean, sixty is your slave name, and you're not a slave anymore, right?"

"My owner is dead, so I guess I could use a name now." The former slave noted. "What did you have in mind?"

"I'm not sure." The Light Elf rubbed her chin in thought. "Is there anything you like? Anything you enjoy that could give us an idea?"

"I guess there's my magic." The child mentioned. "I can control the earth... a little bit at least."

"I would love to see that some time when you're better." Es rubbed her arm. "Why not Terra? You know, after the earth you control itself. Or something close to It, like... Tina?"

"That actually sounds nice." The slave girl seemed to be a bit more cheery than before. "I think Terra is a great name."

"Great." Esmeralda clapped her hands together. "Terra it is. So tell me, Ms. Terra, how did you escape? Did that underground railroad help you out?"

"No..." Terra was nervous once more. "I fought my way out."

"Oh, so... So when you say your master died... You meant..."

"Yes." The Thrope girl said solemnly. "After he killed my father... I snapped. I ripped out the ground that my chain had been locked to and bashed his skull in with it."

"Eh, good riddance," said a gruff voice next to the bed. "No one is going to cry over another abusive slave owner." Edminfar hoped onto the chair. "Besides, a real man profits off the gains of his own labor, not those he claims to own."

"Ummm... hi." Terra said in a very soft tone.

"Hello, my pretty." The aging Netzi grinned. "How old are you, my dear?"

The child thought for a moment, using her remaining fingers to count the years she had lived on this earth. "Nineteen."

"Practically a lady. Excellent. A lady who deserves to be whole." Ed held out a hand. "May I see your hand?"

Terra let out her hand and angled it so that Edminfar would see it's details better.

"Hmm..." Ed pulled out a notepad and a small measure tape and started taking detailed measurements. "Lady Havenbrook said you're called 60?"

"That was my name." The girl replied. "But I'd like to be called Terra now."

Esmeralda nodded. "It suits her much better then a silly number."

"Well, a rose by any other name would be just as pretty." Ed ran his fingers across her palm. "For a slave, you managed to keep your skin smooth and lovely. I would love to hear your secrets."

"Ummm, ummm..." Terra stampered, her normally pale cheeks turning red as she had never been flirted with before. "T-t-thanks?"

Esmeralda giggled. "Don't worry about Ed. He flirts, but he's harmless."

"Only if you want me to be." Ed measured the length of Terra's upper arm, then floated over to sit on Es' lap. "And your other arm, please."

Terra lifted the handless arm so that Ed could do his work.

He measured it as well. "Alright. This should be good enough to get me started. Though they'll have to do a spot of surgery on your arm. It wasn't a clean cut, and they want to make sure it'll fit."

"They?" The Thrope child seemed concerned. "Fit? What's going on?"

Edminfar lifted his prosthetic arm, opening and closing his hand. "Next best thing to the real thing. Might be able to fit you with a symbiote too if your magic is strong enough."

The Thrope eyed the arm, not sure what to make of the prosthetic. "You mean you can give me a new hand?"

"I can. And I will, as long as you approve." Ed smiled. "Had this one for over fifteen years. I've been tweaking the design the whole time, and I'm pretty confident I can make one for you. It won't be as good as the real thing, but it would be better then a stump."

"I guess you're right. How long will it take?" Terra asked.

"Not long. Maybe a couple weeks to perfect it. It isn't easy to calibrate, and it takes some will to operate, so you'll need to recover some to use it."

The former slave nodded. "Okay, I'll try my best to recover my strength."

Ed glanced over to her other arm. "In the meantime, we should remove that chain you've been stuck dragging along."

"I'd... rather keep it." Terra remarked.

Ed gave her a curious look. "Are you sure? It looks awfully encumbersome, and won't it be a bad reminder?"

"It's also what allowed me to get my freedom." The child countered. "It's my weapon... a way for me to extend my magic."

"Oh, I see." Edminfar grinned. "I wouldn't mind a... private... demonstration. When your up and on your feet, that is."

"Okay, I'll do that." Terra responded, flicking her wrist and causing the chain to go from laying on the ground to her lap... without actually touching it at all.

Ed clapped his hands together. "Marvelous! You should easily adapt to the symbiote. As long as that is okay with you, of course."

"I'm okay with it." The Thrope gave Ed a smile. "It'll be nice to have my hand back."

"I'll make the preparations." Ed floated up and winked at Es. "Keep this one company until I see her again."

The Light Elf giggled, and laid a hand on Terra's arm. "Maybe, when you're better, you can stick around. I'm sure there are any number of jobs Lady Havenbrook could give you here."

"I guess I could help you." Terra giggled in return. "It'll be the only way I can repay you."

Esmeralda nodded before standing up. "I bet you're still hungry. I'm going to go find you something to eat, okay?"

"Okay"

Es bowed her head. "Welcome welcome, dear friend. I hope you like your stay." With a big smile, she left the girl be.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Dahlexpert & ZombieSplitter53
Insanity and Rage
Part One

Alice's castle
Serasam
July 10th, 3349
10:25 am

After telling Mina about the coming war Alice looked at her bandits now turned trained soldiers from a balcony Alice looked at her right hand Crixus training her men. "The all came so far, it's interesting how things change but now there's something I need to handle with my other hand the one with the dagger in it." Alice made her way to Rumi room. "Rumi are you in there?"

Rumi looked up from the dagger she was sharpening. Gripping it tightly, she sheathed it after a moment and quickly moved to open the door. "Yes, Master?"

“Ah there’s my loyal and devoted thrall, I’m here to talk to you before you go after your former comrade. Well he won’t be former for long.” Alice made her way into the room.” So Rumi were is my beloved sister at?”

Rumi nodded her head to the adjoining room. "Taking a bath. Do not worry, mistress. The cuffs are still on her and suppressing her powers."

"That's good to hear." Alice rubbed Rumi head." Look at you being such a good thrall and I don't know any thing about you, hum I should probable change that." Alice grabbed a chair and sat in it. "So Rumi tell me about yourself anything relay."

"Um..." Rumi rubbed the back of her neck. "Not much to tell. My life is kinda boring. The Band found me in Bevland when I was a little kid. Said a vampire they were chasing killed my parents. So they took me in. I've never been as fast or strong or skilled as the other, so I trained to be stealthy. And Gravel made sure they accepted me into the Band when the last member retired."

"Hum that's a shame about your parents, so you been with the seven as a kid and trained since then you pore little thing." Alice hugged the woman. "You have had it hard haven't you such a shame that your parents died when you were so young, but now your with me now and I'm making you happy or trying to at least."

Rumi smiled lightly. "You... you do make me happy. You don't have to, though. I am your humble servant. I will follow you no matter what."

"Oh really? Because I have something to tell you, since I'm being honest about things I have something to tell you." Alice whispered in Rumi ear." I know your not mine anymore."

Rumi's eyes widened a bit. "What... what do you mean, mistress?"

Alice looked at Rumi still smiling at her, enjoying her panicked look. "You and my sister think your so clever thinking that I didn't know she freed you, that I don't notice you spiting my blood back out when I reward you or you avoiding Crixus so you won't be found out." Alice smile widen." You must think I'm stupid."

"If... if that's the case, mistress..." Rumi slowly moved her hand to her side, ready to defend herself. "...why haven't I done anything to attack you? It doesn't make sense, you see?"

"That's because my sister told you not to, that I need someone to watch me." Alice opens her eyes and Rumi sees Alice demon eyes. "I heard you and my sister on my ship talking thinking I was gone, now the question now is." Alice but her hand over Rumi dagger so she couldn't take it out. "Why haven't I killed you yet?"

"Because you're curious." Lilith walked out of the washroom, one towel wrapped around her petite body, another being used to dry her hair. "It has always been an endearing part of your personality. She is alive because you beat her once, and are confident you can do it again. So you are feeding your curiosity about what we might do, as well as getting a laugh out of us not knowing that you know. I think the better question is why you decided to reveal your knowledge now."

"Oh you know me so well dear sister, that's a good question maybe I got bored with you both and decided to kill you both. Maybe i'm just being honest and fell like being good tell me dear sister what do you think?"

"Alice, I have no idea what is going through that mind of yours anymore. Sometimes I fear you have gone truly mad." Lilith sighed. "You won't kill us, that much I am sure of. If you wanted to kill me, you would have done so already, and you'll lose any chance of me being cooperative if you kill Rumi."

Also the fact that I need her for the rest of the seven, fine then I told you the truth so you two aren’t planning behind my back thinking I don’t know anything.”

"So you're not going to... force me back into being your mindless slave?" Rumi asked defiantly.

“Oh I’ve been thinking about it, but no I’m not at least not at the moment anyway.”

Rumi looked back and forth. "Okay. Well then... we... continue as we were before, huh?"

In a way yes, I just ruined any plans you had of betraying me and escaping with my sister.”

"We weren't planning to escape," Lilith stated, sitting on her bed. "I need to stick around to keep an eye on you. Make sure you don't go on any killing sprees in our home city and the like."

“Oh listen to my sister thinking she has control over like I’m a kid again, hat to break it to you sis if I want to go on a mass killing spree I will and there will be nothing you could do about it. But I choose not to.”

"Right. Sure." Lilith walked over to her small dresser to put on one of the few sets of clothes that was found for her. "You speak as though I was some tyrannical sister growing up. Well, I am sorry if I wasn't always the perfect sister, but I am done apologizing for your imprisonment."

To Alice's side, she couldn't help but notice the sour look Rumi gave her.

“Don’t look at me like that Rumi.” Alice turned back to her sister.” And as for you after a century you still don’t get it do you, you still don’t get why I became a necromancer, or why I cared for the dead more then the living until recently do you?”

Lilith gave her a sad glance. "I'm sorry for all that has gone wrong in your life. I really am. But I... I fear things have gone too far for me to help you."

Kill them.

Alice heard a voice in her head but shook her head.” That’s typical when have you ever helped me I tried to bring my family back with necromancy only for them to turn into ash in my hand, I was tortured and tormented for a hundred and fifty years in prison.” Alice waved her hand and there’s you, the person who killed more then I have and her reward for possible being worst then me a council seat ruling over other like she did me!”

"That is your biggest problem!" Lilith snapped back. "Always stuck in the past! Mother and father are dead! Move on! You were attacked by humans? Get over it! I was given my position while you went to prison? Because I earned my job! Just like you EARNED a stay in that cell! Because you never let anything go!"

Selfish bitch! She thinks she's better then you. Who does she think she is?! She doesn't know your suffering! Kill her. Kill her! Strangle her now!

Alice eyes twitch and her eyes went back to her daemon eyes and lunged at her sister and both going out side a window her hands being wrapped around her neck." You don't understand, i'm stuck in the past because you don't know torment! You knew mom and dad and brother you never spent your life around humans thinking there great, and when you leave the city only to be attacked by humans and tortured by them for a hundred and fifty years." Alice started punching her sister." You had a normal life you knew mom and dad you became a hero and left me to find for myself even now you still don't know suffering." Alice threw her sister through a tombstone. "I have been nothing but nice to you ever since I captured you, and still you don't appreciate it."

Lilith hacked and coughed, barely able to keep conscious. With her powers suppressed, she was no stronger then the average human, and each punch felt like a cinder block. Rumi dropped down from the window above. She didn't bother with her weapons. She knew she had no chance. She simply held out her arms. "Stop it! You'll kill her!"

Out of the way, ignorant child. She is given every kindness too, and she still sneers at you! She must die as well. Kill them! Kill them both! Make them cry out in pain as the life drains away! They both have to die. It is the only way.

Alice grabbed Rumi throat and lifted her up and threw her to the side, she then put her foot on her sister. Lilith looked at Alice and she already looked unrecognized her she looked like a full blown demon. Alice put more pressure on Lilith making scream from the pain.

Lilith held her ankle, but couldn't move the foot away. "Killing me... if you... must. Prove you're the monster... I accused you of being."

She talks too much. Kill her.

Alice lifted her foot and moved it to her head, though Alice looked like she was struggling like she was struggling with it.

Will you shut up, I only kill if I have to not because something is telling me to. So fuck off!

You have to. You want to! She hates you. She mocks you! Kill her. Kill her before you regret it!

Lilith quickly started to lose consciousness. She turned her eyes up at Alice. She had called her a monster before, but this was the first time she had a fearful look of one facing a true monster. Was she truly afraid of Alice? Or more afraid that her sister was forever lost?

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Insanity and Rage
Part Two

Alice yelled and slammed her foot next to Lilith head not killing her, Alice did something that surprises Lilith she unconfined Lilith and turned to a swarm of bats and went into the forest.

When she finally found a spot to stop, a small clearing surrounded by ominous looking dead trees, a voice from the shadows said, "Well, now. I am impressed. I didn't think you could resist given the... Well, frankly, the raw hate in your heart."

Alice threw a fire ball at the tree. "Shut up who are you get out of my mind if you don't I'll tear you limb from limb!"

"Calm down, m'lady vampire. It was just a test." A young man, dashingly handsome in fine, noble looking clothes stepped forward at her side. He flashed her a perfect smile. "I simply wanted to test your will. You passed, but just barely. I doubt that sister of yours will look at you the same again. The question is, is that a good or bad thing?"

Alice looked at the man. "Who in the hell are you and what do you want with me, are you another god?!"

"I am. Though not one you are used to." The man bowed deep. "My name is Hastur. Don't worry if you haven't heard of me. Not everyone has. As for what I want from you, well... to be honest, I was just a bit bored and fancied some fun."

"Why am I being fallowed by a bunch of gods, there are people that pray to you and yet the thing that's forsaken by them is seeing them the most."

"Ah, but you see, I listen to those who pray to me. I am not like your Terrian pantheon that sits on high and pretends to rule over everyone while doing very little." Hastur grinned widely. "A shame that my devout are called 'cultist'. They only occasionally murder in my name. We have that in common, huh? A group of life's rejects, will to fight, kill, and die for us. That's the reason you caught my eye in the first place."

"Ugh go away, I have enough problems already and after that stunt you did to me I may have broken what little of a relationship I have or had with my sister. I should rip your guts out and feed them to you for what you've done."

"You should? Why, that sounds like a ton of fun!" Hastur held his arms out. "Let's give it a try!"

Alice extended her nails wanting to do what she said she was going to do, but pulled them back." Leave me alone I want nothing to do with you."

Hastur frowned, and stepped behind Alice. Walking around to her other side, Alice found she was now facing a new individual, but an old face. "But I still want to play," Hastur said in the voice of Alice's mother, wearing her appearance.

Alice eyes widen and grabbed for the Gods throat.” Get out of that form now!”

Her hand passed right through Hastur, revealing him to be an illusion. "Now I've lit a fire under your ass." He changed back to the previous form. "Willing to listen now?"

“You have two minutes before I really get upset and actually rip your throat out and drink your blood from it.”

"You can try if you want." Hastur pointed to the trees. "The real me is right over there. I just want to come to an agreement with you as you start your whole... war against the world campaign. Simply put, if you come across any of the Cult of Hastur, you'll leave them be. See, I have some plans of my own, and the mess you can cause will actually be a good thing for me as long as you don't go around killing my people."

“Really because after why should I? Why not rip them limb from limb!?”

Hastur chuckled. "You really that mad about the whole almost killing your sister thing? Talk about holding a grudge. That was a whole ten minutes ago!"

“And Impersonating my dead mom. Seriously, you’re not helping yourself at at all in fact I should just hunt them down and kill them all.”

Hastur dropped his smile. "There seems to be a bit of confusion. I used the word agreement to be civil, but you don't actually have a choice. You're going to leave my cultist alone. Got it?"

“And you seem to think that I care again, why should I listen to you?”

Hastur sighed, the illusion vanishing. From the tree line walked over a humanoid in a yellow robe, his face obscured under the hood. "I don't make idle threats like your goddess frienemy. I will make this nice and clear." A glowing symbol appeared before him. "You see anyone with this symbol, you stay away from them, or I kill everyone and everything around you."

“You’re bluffing you wouldn’t dare.”

"Do you really want to test an old one?" Hastur asked, a pair of tentacles coming out of his sleeves.

“Ou I really do.” Alice threw a fire ball at the old god. “Burn you fuck I’m sick of you God’s thinking you have a one up on me.”

Hastur burst into flames. He slowly shook his head, and stretched a tentacle out, wrapping it around Alice's neck. As it squeezed, the most horrid of visions swam through her head, of pain and death and pure hatred. Within seconds, it felt like her brain would explode.

As Alice screamed Alice used her dark magic and had spears cut me out and cut the tentacles in half.” Is that it?” Alice said catching her breath.”

"No." Hastur's severed tentacle slithered back to his body and under the cloak. The being slowly doubled in size, and dozens of tentacles emerged from under his cloak. "Ready for round two through one hundred? Or should we test how resilient your men are?"

“You get with in ten feet of my home or my men when I die I will go to your plain and kill you over and over again.” Goddess of darkness if there’s any part of you still alive please help me, Oh who am I kidding the only person to ever lend me a hand is dead I’m on my own here.

Hastur moved a bit closer, but slowly retracted his tentacles. "I like you, Alice. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, you stand brave to the last moment. Some might call you a hero if you weren't so bitter and violent." He turned and made his way to the trees. "I think I made my point. Good luck. And remember to leave my cultist alone, else I'll have to kill you and everyone you have ever known, loved, or even said hello to. Nothing can interrupt my father's coming."

Alice bit her lip with enough force to make it bleed. Alice made her way back to Rumi and Lilith.

She found them in Rumi's bedroom, Lilith unconscious on the bed and breathing heavily. Sweat rolled down her face in droves. Rumi was sitting over her, a large wound cut into her hand, which she used to slowly trickle blood into the vampires mouth.

Alice sat next to her sister.” Rumi go get me a shovel and one of my bottles of blood.”

"A... shovel?" Rumi slowly stood up, but was obviously hesitant to leave them alone.

“NOW PINKY!” Alice shouted Rumi then rushed out of the room leaving Alice with her sister. “You have single handily brought me more annoyance then anyone you understand stand that, I go out of my way to keep you alive but do you appreciate it no I try to not tell you this so you don’t panic.” Alice bit her thumb and started giving her sister her blood.

"A well cared for prisoner is still a prisoner." Lilith weakly opened her eyes. "In my place, would you be any different?"

I was already in this position you’re in right now. Look about what happened that wasn’t me, I was being controlled in a manner of speaking I would never do this to you.”

"I doubt that is completely true," Lilith whispered, coughing and holding her sides in pain, several ribs broken. "You might have been pushed... but deep down, you wanted that. You made it clear you resent me. That the rift between us has grown far larger then even I expected. You can hide it all you want... but deep down, there is a great hatred for me in your heart."

“Fine I admit I hate you, I hate you so very much but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing my best to keep you alive.”

Lilith coughed again, squeezing herself tightly. "Just so you know... I never hated you. I never lost hope that I could save you from your pain. It is the reason I didn't try to escape when I freed Rumi from you. I wanted to stay near you. Help you. But it is obvious I have failed."

Rumi slowly walked in, a bottle of blood in one hand and a shovel in the other.

“No you haven’t failed, I don’t hate you enough to kill you witch if I did would ignore all the gods threatening me to do things there way and you would have been dead months ago.” Alice looked to the door and saw Rumi.

"I-I have the blood and the, um... shovel." She slowly approached the vampire, looking quite nervous.

Alice got up and took the shovel, and patted Rumi head. "Thank you Rumi and I'm sorry for earlier I wasn't my self then just keep my sister company alright."

She nodded. "Y-yes... mistress. I'll make sure she is back on her feet quickly."

"Thank you and drop the mistress it was fine when you were a thrall just call me Alice alright?"

Rumi nodded. "Alright... Alice."

"Thank you now if you excuse me I need to handle something." Alice made her way outside and to the spot were she buried the goddess of darkness, and Alice started to dig the grave after about an hour she dug up the casket and opened it still seeing the ashes of the goddess." Huh what am I doing? I'm digging up the corpse of a dead woman thinking I can bring her back, Huh I need ales hum I will work on that later for now I need to get the seven and take Drăculești and take things one at a time then I will deal with the gods themselves." Alice went back to her castle and to her bed room and looked at the letter of maps around the area and laid on her bed." Take things one at a time and then the world will be bow to me."

 

[ExoGrim]

ExoGrim and Black0ut
A Poor Soul

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
July 11th, 3349
10:17am

A certain Wolf Thrope limped past several doors, not bothering to look up as she recalled exactly where she needed to go. “Kill me now…” She whined quietly, before entering the infirmary.

As the Thrope limped past the many blue curtains and beds, sticking out of one of the curtains was a chain. On the very end of the chain was a spike of some kind.

The Thrope paused, looking down at the spike and then, following the chain up, she tiredly stared at the owner of the chain.

On the other end of the curtain, a young Thrope of the fox variety slept. The child had many scars scattered around her body, most particularly on her arms. On left arm, she had a shackle with the chain connected to it… while she had a bandaged stub where her right hand would be. The number sixty could be seen on her shoulder, seeming to be branded on her. The Thrope was motionless, with the exception of her breathing.

Titania examined the girl for a moment longer, sighing gently so as to not wake the poor girl up. She took a few steps past the girls bed, before nearly collapsing onto the floor. Dear Gods, I shouldn't have ran without the leg armor. I'm so stupid… Titania thought, before looking over at the girl to see if her sudden fall had woken her.

The sudden noise, unfortunately, did wake the girl. She jumped at the thud and looked in Titania’s direction. Her heavy breathing began to slow when she realized it was a Thrope.

“S-sorry! Didn't mean to wake you… my name's Titania. And, um… you are?” The Wolf Thrope asked, grabbing a bedframe for support.

“My name’s Terra.” The girl replied.

“Terra… that's a beautiful name. What… forgive me if I sound rude, but what happened to you?” Titania asked, laying down on the bed she had grabbed.

“I’m a slave.” Terra answered. “Or… was a slave would be the better term. Most of my wounds are from my owner and his whip.”

“I'm sorry to hear that… I… I have a friend who was a slave. I bought his contract and freed him. Umm… how old are you, sweety?”

“I’m nineteen.” Terra responded. “At least that’s how old I was when I was last able to know what day it was.”

“That… breaks my heart. I-if you need anything… feel free to let me know.” Titania replied, her voice revealing that she was near tears.

“Okay.” The Thrope girl said before noticing that Titania was near crying. “Hey, I’m okay… I’ve lasted years in slavery. I’ll recover.”

The Thrope warrior sniffled, and paused to collect herself. “Still… no one deserves to be enslaved… much less a young girl.”

“I was born into it, so it’s the only life I know right now.” The child lowered her head. “All we had to do was adapt and obey our master… yet so many of us died.”

“That's… very similar to my friend. He was in Helvan for most of his life. He… still doesn’t trust people anymore. Thinks most people are using him. But, uh… I’m sorry. Probably not the best thing to talk about. Where… where did you use to live?”

“I lived in Themosa. The place was pretty looking at least. Even if I never had a chance to view the cities.” Terra looked back up at Titania. “Most of us were Thropes… so we had something keeping us together.”

Titania’s claws grew longer as a seething anger tried to take hold of her. Breathing in and out, for a few moments, the hot-headed Thrope murmured, before speaking louder. “If any of your friends are still there, I’ll try to get them out. I got some money laying around…”

“If they are still there… they're either dead or hiding.” Terra remarked.

Titania was silent for a minute or two, not knowing how to respond to such a remark. When she did have something to say, it was something that shocked even her own self. “Would you kill him? Or want him killed?”

“Oh, you mean my owner right?” The Fox Thrope sighed. “I already killed him, so there’s no worry there.”

“I see. And then you ran, right? Until you got here? Something along those lines?” Titania asked, her conclusions being drawn up rather quickly.

“Yeah, though I don’t know where ‘here’ is.” The girl responded. “I just ran until I found a place to hide… which just happen to be this place.”

“You don’t know where you are? Well… have you talked to anyone else, y’know, besides me about that? Or am I the first one you have talked to?”

“I’ve talked to a few people. Mostly just the people here who are taking care of me… and a Netzi who is building me a new hand.” Terra answered with a slight bit of cheeriness in her voice.

“Good… good. Well, I’ll fill you in then. You’re in the country Serasam, and you’re in the Havenbrook Manor, home to the Havenbrook Hunters and… you probably have no idea what I’m talking about.”

“Hunters…” The former slave thought on the word for a moment. “Those are the people who are hired to deal with monsters, right?”

“Yes, that’s right… and sometimes bandits. Almost forgot to add that. Do you know what a country is?” Titania questioned further, as her hands began to morph back into their usual form.

“No.”

“Okay… Well, you lived in Themosa, which a certain group of people rule. Those people said slavery is legal and… well, you know the rest. In Serasam, the laws are different. You aren’t a slave here, unless someone fills a ridiculous amount of paperwork and deals with some political bullshit at which point, people can bring slaves over here, but they cannot own slaves here. It’s way too complicated for me to begin understanding but, to make it simple, you aren’t a slave anymore, and you won’t return to being a slave ever again.” Titania answered before realizing she had, in fact, rambled on. “A-and a country is basically a… uh… place where people live who’ve set up rules and a way of living.”

“So… the Human here are nice?” Terra asked nervously. “And the Elves too?”

“Yup. Although some can be jackasses, most of them are nice. Heck, one of my bosses is an Elf, goes by the name Eraqus. Ridiculously nice Elven man.”

“Ummmm… okay.” Terra didn’t seem too convinced by the claim Titania had made… her fear of the two races starting to show.

Titania tried again, this time trying to broach it differently. “Okay… how about this: He saved my life when there was nothing in it for himself. Could’ve let me die. And I’m not the only person who he’s done that for. To him, race doesn’t matter. If you are a good person, he will come to your aid.”

“If you think that… then I guess it could be true.” At this point, the fox Thrope was visibly shaking.

“It is. He won’t hurt you, and he’s nothing but a gentleman. Maybe a little too uptight at times, but an enjoyable Elf nonetheless. And if he makes a bad impression on you, I’m sure he’ll let you take a few swings at him.” Titania encouraged, not seeing the girl shaking.

“C-c-can we talk a-about something else?” The Thrope child inquired, the shakiness making it’s way to her voice.

Titania raised an eyebrow, and slowly got up out of her bed. “So that’s who your last owner was… an Elf. I’m sorry.” The Wolf Thrope murmured, before arriving at the girl’s bed.

Terra hugged herself the best she could with one hand, trying her best to not to panic. The shaking intensified as she slowly looked up at Titania… a tear forming in her eye. “He’s gone… right?”

Titania leaned down, and hugged the girl, “He’s gone. And he won’t ever hurt you again.” The older Thrope soothed, trying to ease the girl out of the panic she was in.

Terra seemed to be in her own world, the small tears quickly becoming sobs. “Why did he have to take father? I was the rebel… not him. Father did nothing wrong, not ever. Why him? Why not me?”

Titania moved her hand to gently rub Terra’s back, hoping it would help the traumatized girl. “Shhhh… You’re okay… you’re not there… you’re safe. No one can hurt you.”

As Titania calmed the child, her cries turned into soft whimpers. She laid back in the bed, falling asleep during the whole thing.

The older Thrope laid the younger girl down and slowly tucked her in, before wandering to the bed she had claimed earlier, laying down, but instead of resting her mind drifted off towards the young slave, the old one she owned, and the life she had been blessed with.

 

[Frostlich1228 (Alt)]

Frostlich1228 & MarineAvenger: "Desolation and Isolation."

July 11th, 3349
12:33 PM

Lyr sat on a high branch near the manor, one where he once observed Mina's fight against her uncle. He slowly ate a sandwhich that had been delivered to him by the head chef after training, the Ophidian not used to such pampering. Perhaps it was a sign he was finally being, accepted in some capacity here in a foreign place.

"You're the Ophidian, aren't you?" He heard a voice from below say.

"Who's asking?" Lyr called out as he looked down.

"If I've heard right, a fellow warrior." Sylvie answered, crossing her arms.

"That doesn't exactly answer my question." Lyr responded back defensively.

"I'm Sylvie... It's good to meet you." She responded.

"Uh... Huh." The golden haired teen looked away intent on ignoring her. "Weirdo..."

She raised an eyebrow. "You're just going to ignore me? I'm pretty sure that's considered rude..."

"What are you even doing out here?" Lyr asked in an irritated way. "It is weird you are wandering around out here all alone."

"Not really. This is where I usually am." She put her hands on her hips.

"Okay... Well... Why are you still here? What exactly do you want with me?"

"I want To talk to you..." She sighed, "I want to know more about you and your people, in return, I'll answer any questions about mine. Sounds fair?"

Lyr blinked a few times, jumping down from the tree. Despite what would have broken her legs, he landed without a problem. "What even are you that would intrigue me to ask?"

"Well, we live away from cites deep in the forest, taking care of eachother, hunting, taking care of the land and honoring our goddess" She explained briefly. "From what I've heard of your people, you at least share the community, right?"

"I suppose it depends on where you live in Kemar." Lyr answered honestly, "In that place you can be in civilized territory, take a step and wind up in bandit lands. The line is very... Blurred between the two at times." The golden haired Ophidian looked at the human girl suspiciously. "Why do you care about the Duchy at all? Most dont."

"Because... I don't know how someone could live somewhere so... Devoid of life..." Sylvie expained, "It's a far cry from my home."

"I don't know. How could someone live somewhere so claustrophobic?" He countered.

"I wouldn't call it that, not really, there's free space everywhere." Sylvie pointed out.

"To you maybe. I come to forests for seclusion." He said with emphasis on the last word.

"Very well..." She replied, picking up on his tone. However, after a few moments, she climbed up onto the tree with him, staying completely silent as she enjoyed the scenery.

Lyr glanced at her and let out a sigh, "Why?"

"Because I spend my time up here too..." She replied... Before responding more honestly. "And like it or not, we're going to be working together sooner or later... We should at least be on a first name basis..."

The Ophidian rolled his eyes. "Could have just said. I'm Lyr."

"Still Sylvie." She replied simply.

"So why the interest in me? There is another Ophidian. One who does enjoy unwanted company." He said in a grumpy tone, resigned to the fact she would not just leave.

"You mean the woman? I could talk to her, true... But I'm interested in you, after all, aren't hunters and warriors so much alike? The only difference I could see is that my people take little pleasure in the kill, rather we enjoy the chase, then again I can't speak for everyone..." Sylvie went on, swinging her legs as she made a flower bloom on the tree with her magic. "But... I've also heard a rumor that you're Ms. Havenbrook's... Secret son? There's a lot about you that piques my interest..."

"Not biological mind you. She would have been in her early teens otherwise." Lyr leaned back against the trunk. "I am not a person who makes friends you know."

"The thing about friends is, even if you only have a vested self interest and nothing else, it's good to have someone who would fiercely defend you." Sylvie let out a simply sigh. "But I guess I can't force you if you're so insistent on pushing people away. I'm not purposefully ignoring the fact you don't want me here."

"Well given the circumstances recently with people stealing my mother out of the space time continium. Not to mention you are the creeper stalking around in the forest."

"Out of the..." She shook her head, "I do not 'creep' on people."

"You creeped on me." He pointed out.

"I didn't creep on you, what does that even really mean?" She asked casually, sighing. "I assume you're calling me creepy..."

"I am glad we see eye to eye on this."

"I'm not the one sitting on a tree watching everyone. Isn't that a little creepy?" She pointed out.

"I'm not watching anyone. In fact I came out here to relax. You're the creep." He shot back snarkily.

"I came here to relax too... Then I saw you and thought I'd have a conversation..." She glared over to him, slightly annoyed. "Instead I got whatever this is..."

"Where I come from this is very much still a conversation. Except a lot less violent and sober. Kemarian diplomacy is a very strange beast indeed." Lyr shook his head, "You said you had questions. Will answering them satisfy you enough?"

"And you can ask me too." She stated, thinking for a moment. "I've... Heard your people have a bad name..."

"Quite. As pillagers and rapers. We prefer cute girls. Ones who are often alone." Lyr noted off-handedly.

"I take it that's not entirely true... I can imagine the misunderstandings being because your home isolates you, much like my own." The Huntress compared.

"I'm not joking, that's the funniest thing." Lyr chuckled like there was some sort of joke. "Been this way for a long time."

"Perhaps if more resources were around, the Ophidians could've come together as one people..." She theorized, pulling her legs back up on the branch.

"Well, there is a very distinct reason why much of Kemar is periless. Would you like to know?"

"Aside from the blistering heat and lack of water?" Sylvie replied.

"I can leave if you don't want to take this seriously." Lyr noted sternly with a sidelong glance.

"Fine. Tell me." The Huntress rolled her eyes before crossing her arms.

"Many years ago, Kemar was... Stable somewhat. Being about ninety percent wasteland, we have to deal with what we got. Any oasis we have is used for resources. Spices, food. Countries import things like silk for clothing and other such things like gold for jewelry. Usually, Ophidian culture is... Extravagant. We sleep on cushions, not beds. For those more snakelike they don't wear much other than the simplest cloth coverings but those of my kind who are look humanoid like me they wear anything from thick robes to keep out the sun to very... Pretty outfits. Dyes are a cheap but bountiful commodity so in larger cities you see lots of colors." Looking up, past the leaves and to the blue sky, Lyr put his hands behind his head. It seemed annoying Sylvie had brought him around to being friendlier. "Then we got a very controversial dutchess in control of the country. At first, things were normal. But she had extreme tastes and very strict on old cultural ties. This led to many of our kind -usually the impoverished or mistreated- to just up and leave. Raid for a living. Ophidians are strictly matriarchal, and men defied that ever since the Dutchess made their lives hell by digging up old customs. Men like my father. Really the only reason I am here is because of the way the laws are now. When a mother dies and her son is not a man while there are no surviving family, they are then taken into the care of someone close, usually just family friends. However, my mother saw fit to give me Mina. It... Is not easy. She hates my kind though she tries to make it seem like she has changed. I understand. I have the face of a man who destroyed her life." His face noticably tightened with strain. "So, when I know it is a day she can't really stand my prescence, I leave her alone. I don't really like other people either. So being alone makes things easier. Luckily I have an... Active imagination."